Play-off sides make fans part of the action

TEAMS from Leagues One and Two will deliver hospitality packages to the homes of their fans for their upcoming play-off ties.

Those unable to attend the behind-closed-doors matches can expect food deliveries, digital programmes and a virtual pre-match Q&A with a former player. At the end of this truncated EFL season, eight sides across the third and fourth tiers return to action in the coming weeks as they bid to secure promotion.

They face a two-legged play-off semi-final before a potential trip to Wembley. In League One, Wycombe face Fleetwood and Oxford meet Portsmouth. In League Two, it’s Cheltenham versus Northampton and Exeter against Colchester.

Though Covid-19 means the matches will be played without fans in grounds, Wycombe and Northampton have devised innovative ways to ensure their supporters can feel part of the action.

For the first leg of their match with Cheltenham, Northampton are offering a £49 virtual package, which will include a video Q&A with former player Martin Smith, entry to their pre-match Stand Up Bingo, a virtual ticket, a digital programme and team sheet.

The offering also includes a £15 food voucher for fans to have meals delivered to their door and a ‘ seat’ in the PTS Academy Stadium. As part of Northampton’s Cobbler in the Crowd initiative, supporters can have a cut-out of themselves put in the stands.

Wycombe, meanwhile, will be making a special edition programme available for fans to have mailed to their homes on the day of their play-off ties. They are also looking to team up with food delivery partners so that supporters can order meals for them to enjoy while watching the match, too.

They are considering how else to offer a ‘virtual’ match-day experience, including making extra merchandise available and exploring digital opportunities.