Barton backing Black Cats’ call to complete the season and settle issues ‘the right way’
NOBODY SHOULD BE GIVEN ‘MEANINGLESS’ PROMOTION, SAYS THE FLEETWOOD BOSS
JOEY Barton has backed Sunderland’s call to complete the season – insisting to win promotion any other way would be ‘meaningless.’
EFL clubs met yesterday to discuss the fate of the League One and League Two season, the Black Cats among six sides to have publicly called for the campaign to be played to a finish when it is safe to do so.
However, another group of clubs wants to see the season abandoned with promotion and relegation places decided by some variation of a points-per-game formula.
That would see top two Coventry City and Rotherham United promoted, along with either Oxford United or Wycombe Wanderers depending on exactly which system was used.
Pomotion contenders Sunderland, Peterborough United, Oxford, Fleetwood Town, Ipswich Town and Portsmouth, said in a joint statement issued by Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony that the season should be completed to preserve ‘the integrity of our sport.’ Sunderland chief executive Jim Rodwell added: “We face various challenges to complete the season. “However, we feel we owe it to our supporters and players, and the game, to ensure our remaining fixtures are fulfilled.
Joey Barton
“League tables are decided by what happens on the pitch, not in a meeting room.
“Together we know we can overcome those challenges and, when it is safe to do so, end the campaign the right way.”
Former Newcastle United midfielder Barton, now Fleetwood manager, has also weighed in, saying in response to calls for the season to be completed: “I could not agree more.
“As soon as it is safe, we should complete the campaign.
“Surely nobody wants to be given a promotion?
“You have to go and win it. Or it is meaningless.”
If the season does continue, it will be behind closed doors but Barton added: “Fans are a massive part of the journey as well.
“We need to get them into stadiums but only when it is safe.
“Our players and staff are ready to get back and finish the season we started in August.”
As soon as it is safe we should complete the campaign. Surely nobody wants to be given a promotion?