Sunderland Echo

Cats could return to League One action next month ... with fans

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games back to back. Part of the issue is the loss of furlough from an earlier return on August 29.

“Either option will cause a backload which is why it’s important to try and get crowds in if we can.”

And it’s that return of supporters will prove key for club when voting on the season start date.

There are hopes that whenever the season begins, some level of crowds could be allowed to watch games – with Caldwell confirming that the EFL have been holding discussion­s with the government.

“The EFL stated that they have been in discussion with the government for several weeks now regarding fans returning safely to grounds with social distancing measure still in place,” he added.

“They are currently looking at this around reduced capacity in stadiums

“The EFL are working closely with the SGSA on a study to look at crowd flows and social distancing to help ensure some form of fans can return to games safely on a potential reduced attendance.

“I think the main thing for fans to take away from this is that everything is being done to try and ensure fans can return to matches as soon as possible providing it’s safe of course. It was mentioned that they are working closely with government and the relevant authoritie­s with the goal of hopefully having the possibilit­y of fans even on reduced attendance­s returning for the start of next season all being well.

“The EFL updated Clubs on the potential for streaming of matches but stressed that streaming is a Plan B and all efforts must be put towards allowing fans to return to matches safely,” he continued.

“Streaming is not being viewed as a replacemen­t for fans in the stadium but as an alternativ­e.”

 ??  ?? Sunderland could return to League One action as early as next month
Sunderland could return to League One action as early as next month

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