Season all over for the Exiles as League Two call a halt
NEWPORT County’s season has officially ended after League Two clubs voted to bring an early conclusion to the campaign due to the impact of coronavirus.
Teams in the fourth tier of English football had between nine and 10 games left to play, however it has been reported that the final league table, in which the Exiles currently sit 15th, will be decided using a pointsper-game method, once the decision is ratified by the EFL or the FA.
Promotion and relegation is as yet undecided. As per the weighted points-per-game standings, which is thought to be the preferred method, Crewe Alexandra, Swindon Town and Plymouth Argyle would be promoted and Stevenage would be relegated. However, it has been reported that there will be no relegation from League Two into the National League.
Cheltenham Town, Exeter City, Colchester United and Northampton
Town would enter the play-offs.
The fact that League Two clubs are unable to pay for coronavirus testing equipment or for players to come off furlough is central to the decision.
Newport wrote in a statement: “Newport County AFC has been represented at, and fully engaged with, all EFL meetings during the Covid-19 crisis. The cub’s view is in line with the indicative decision taken today.
“As a supporter-owned, community-based football club, our primary concern throughout this process has been the health and well-being of our players, staff and supporters, and the economic impact this pandemic is having on some of them and many others in Newport.
“Other than sharing regular updates from the EFL, the Board of
Directors has taken the view that issuing statements ahead of any decision to end the season would have been counter-productive and created distracting speculation while discussions were ongoing.
“Should this indicative decision be formalised, Newport County AFC realises this will be disappointing for many of our supporters. Many will have questions regarding the next steps for the club and football in general.
“As soon as a formal decision is made, the club will issue a fuller statement.
“In the meantime, the club would like to thank all our fantastic supporters for their patience during these difficult times. Please stay safe.”
The fate of League One, whose situation is also thought to be precarious, remains undecided.
League One clubs are set to reconvene on Monday after failing to come to an agreement on how or whether the season should end following their meeting.
So, for Newport, that is end of sports for their season, but there are two other South Wales clubs still in limbo.
On Wednesday, we learned that clubs are allowed to resume full training on May 25, with a tentative restart date of between June 6 and June 13 being the target.
However there are also still a number of concerns among smaller Championship clubs over the cost of coronavirus testing kits, having enough space at training facilities to safely follow the distancing measures and even whether they have enough cash to extend players’ contracts which are set to end next month.
But both Cardiff City and Swansea City sit within three points of the playoff spots in the second tier and the Bluebirds have reiterated their stance that they would like the season to be completed.