Playing final games will be costly, but it is the right thing to do, insists Rodwell

BLACK CATS CHIEF DEMANDS EFL ‘DEMONSTRATE PROFESSIONALISM’ IN LEAGUE ONE DECISION THAT COULD SEE SKY BLUES PROMOTED TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

SUNDERLAND chief executive Jim Rodwell has reiterated that his club stand strongly against any plans to end the League One season early, despite admitting that playing the remaining games will come at a “considerable cost”.

The EFL board met yesterday with talks regarding the remainder of the 2019-20 season high on the agenda.

Rodwell’s side are currently seventh in the third division after having played more games than anyone else around them and would miss out on the chance to fight for the play-offs if the final games are not played.

The EFL’S preferred ending to the campaign, if games cannot be played, would see Mark Robins’ Coventry City team and Rotherham United promoted via points-per-game with the four sides currently inside the play-off places doing battle at Wembley in June. But that has caused controversy throughout the top-half of the table with Peterborough United and Sunderland, set to finish seventh and eighth respectively if points-per-game is used, becoming increasingly vocal about how the season should be concluded.

However, a number of their suggestions pose serious financial risks to clubs currently feeling the pinch without matchday revenue.

Burton Albion confirmed the departure of boss Nigel Clough on Tuesday with the 54-year-old pointing to the serious financial implications being felt by League One clubs as the reason for it in a move that all involved hope will protect the jobs of their non-playing staff.

And Rodwell admits that playing the final fixtures behind closed doors will come at a “considerable cost” but that the EFL must ensure it happens in order to preserve “the professionalism and obligation that comes with its historic status.”

Rodwell said in a statement published on the club’s website: “From the moment the campaign was suspended in March, the EFL board has stated that any remaining fixtures should be played once it is safe and practical to do so, thus retaining the integrity of the competition.

“There was a time when that looked like it would not be possible, but recent developments have ensured that the season can be completed within the initial timeframe set by the EFL.

“Several League One clubs have taken the stance that no further games should be played and that a currently undetermined formula should be applied to finalise the league table.

“SAFC strongly disagree with this view and remain committed to completing the season the right way.

“We believe that any league placings should be determined by what happens on the pitch, not in a meeting room and most certainly not in a courtroom.

“As a club, we entered the league to determine the best team over 46 games, not 37. That is the premise with which season cards, player contracts and partnerships are agreed.” He continued: “Fulfilling our remaining fixtures will come at considerable cost, but it sets a deeply concerning precedent for professional

We believe that any league placings should be determined by what happens on the pitch. Jim Rodwell