Pompey set to vote against points-per-game decider if season ends
Portsmouth look set to vote against plans to decide the season on a points-per-game basis – with the League One season increasingly likely to be cancelled.
It is understood that the Football League (EFL) are set to advise third-tier sides, probably early next week, that it will not be possible to complete their outstanding fixtures, with clubs then set to vote on how to determine promotion and relegation.
A favoured solution is believed to be deciding the season via a weighted points-per-game approach – and this would see Coventry City, Rotherham United and Oxford United promoted.
But Portsmouth are set to oppose such plans, with CEO Mark Catlin admitting he would feel ‘aggrieved’ if promotion is decided without all fixtures being completed.
“I would be upset, personally, at the thought,” he said, speaking to Portsmouth-based newspaper The News.
“I’ve gone through all the scenarios, believe me, but it’s the principle, if the season isn’t completed, we’re a collective of 23 clubs in this league.
“I think we would have to start again collectively.
“If two were to be promoted I would feel slightly aggrieved at that.
“But we’re one of 23 this year in League One and our vote only carries the strength of one.
“If you look at how the voting would go, I’m not sure.
“People tend to vote in self-interest.
“No relegation and two promoted would probably tick more than half the league’s boxes, but we’ll just have to see.”
Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett is also keen to continue the season, and insists that is not solely down to his side’s position in the promotion race.
He told Pompey’s official website: “I would still want to continue the season if we found ourselves in a mid-table position.
“In that instance, I would want to work hard and view it as an opportunity to start strengthening and setting ourselves up for the following campaign.
“Our current motivation is being fourth in the table and two points off an automatic promotion spot, as well as having a Wembley cup final, so it is frustrating at the moment.”