Town still want to complete season as EFL delay training

REPORTS suggest the EFL may have a battle on their hands to convince clubs that returning to action behind closed doors to finish the season is the right way to go.

The Telegraph report that ‘many Championship clubs are now growing concerned over whether the season will even restart’ and that any resumption potentially may not happen until early July as there is ‘no chance’ it can start before the Premier League.

They go on to claim that there are at least four clubs who are ‘strongly opposed’ to the season being resumed, including Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday.

However, Town chief executive Mark Devlin and manager Danny Cowley have both previously indicated in recent weeks that their preference would be for the season to be completed when it is safe to do so.

No statement from Town is expected in light of the new report but the Examiner understands that contrary to the Telegraph’s claims, the club’s stance on the matter has not changed.

Similarly, in a message to fans in April, Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk wrote: “I think we are all in agreement that we would like to finish this season properly but as with a lot of things right now it is still unclear how and when that will be possible.”

If the season were unable to be completed it would leave the implications on promotion and relegation up in the air.

The Telegraph suggest that a failure to finish the season may see Leeds United and West Bromwich

Albion automatically promoted and play-off games played out between Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Preston North End.

After their latest meeting on Wednesday, the EFL has pushed back a return to training until

May 25 at the earliest and reiterated ‘stark’ warnings over a financial hole caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The new training date is nine days later than the previous target, which was issued to clubs on April 9.

The new guidance was released after an EFL board meeting to discuss a number of issues caused by the COVID-19 crisis, including how to bring a conclusion to the season. It is understood Championship clubs have been preparing for a return to action behind closed doors in the second week of June. However, the EFL admits a COVID-19 testing programme has still to be finalised and talks will continue with clubs.

A statement read: “The EFL is mindful of the pressing need for clarity in a number of areas, including the practicalities and timeframes of clubs being able to facilitate a return to training.

“To address this, clubs have been issued with the latest draft of the EFL’s ‘Return to Training Protocols,’ so that they can

The EFL board has informed its clubs that a return to training should not take place until May 25 at the

earliest