Clubs eyeing October start with revived Europa League play-offs

THE 2020-21 Danske Bank Premiership season could return as late as October with cup competitions at risk of being kicked into touch. However the end-ofseason European play-offs are expected to make a comeback.

The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) have written to clubs requesting their thoughts on how next season’s calendar should look and many of them are hesitant about rushing back into action.

Although Linfield, Coleraine and one other side will be in European action next month, the domestic season is sure to be delayed.

Clubs insist that the league is not sustainable unless fans can come through the gates in significant numbers, and many believe at least 50% capacity attendances in grounds will be necessary when the action does resume.

The Irish FA have indicated that some fans may be allowed to attend the Irish Cup final on July 31 at Windsor Park but it could be several months before normal attendances return.

An end of September or early October resumption is a possibility, with a 38-game league season being completed despite the late start. Premiership first-team squads may not feature in the County Antrim Shield and Betmclean League Cup, with more midweek games being played in order to complete the campaign.

As the league has regained its fourth European place, the end-of-season play-offs, which give the seventh-placed side a chance to qualify for the Europa League, were popular and are likely to be resurrected.

Coleraine chairman Colin Mckendry (left) said: “We should be looking at October, depending on how the health crisis is.”

Ballymena United counterpart John Taggart added: “I wouldn’t be surprised if we had an October start.”