Cats back in League One action in September
Sunderland’s League One campaign will begin on September 12, the EFL have confirmed.
The Black Cats have not played a competitive fixture since March 10 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and missed out on promotion after the 2019/20 campaign was settled on a points-per-game basis.
The campaign looks certain to begin behind closed doors, with the government’s most recent advice stating that supporters will not be allowed to return to stadia until October.
Attendances are likely to be limited when crowds do return, with capacities set to be reduced to allow for extensive precautions.
Over 10,000 Sunderland supporters have already renewed their season cards ahead of the new campaign.
Sunderland’s playing squad have been on furlough leave for a number of months, but are likely to return soon for pre-season campaign.
It is set to be a busy period before the campaign begins, with Phil Parkinson currently having just 15 senior players contracted.
An EFL statement reads: “The EFL can confirm that the 2020/21 Season will get underway across the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two on the weekend of September 12.
“The 2020/21 season will conclude on the May 8 and 9, 2021, with the Sky Bet PlayOff Finals reverting back to the Spring Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May.
“Work is currently underway in respect of fixture scheduling and details will be announced in due course as to when full fixture lists for 2020/21 will be made available.”