Hopes rise over return of fans

THE English Football League are said to be working towards allowing some supporters to return to stadiums next season.

The EFL board reportedly wanted a limited trial of supporters in stadiums to take place in the final round of Championship matches next week, but have been forced to cancel those plans.

The Daily Mail claim “a series of test events” with small crowds at games “deemed to be dead rubbers” had been planned for the final day of the campaign, next Wednesday. However, they say: “But time constraints and the limited number of games with nothing riding on them have led to the plan being put on hold.

“As a result, the EFL are focusing efforts on securing Government support for fans to return to stadiums next season, with the additional aspiration that small crowds will be permitted to attend pre-season matches next month.

“If trials are successful then it is hoped grounds will be able to reopen at 25 per cent capacity in September before welcoming more fans later in the season.”

The report adds Premier League clubs have started “a period of consultation with supporters’ groups” in preparation for a partial return of fans to grounds at the start of the new term.

The Mail cites a memo which claims discussions in relation to partially reopening stadiums in the top-flight are at “an advanced stage”, adding those clubs are working towards a date of September 12 to begin the 2020-21 season.

The Sky Blues have returned to training this week as they step up their preparations for life in the second tier, having been promoted as title winners.