Doncaster Rovers' James Coppinger on whether the season should be finished

The EFL, along with the Premier League, on Friday reiterated its stance that the aim is to complete the campaign, which has been halted for three weeks so far due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement from the organising bodies also stated football would not resume ‘until it is safe to do so,’ changing the stance from previously pushing back potential specified restart dates.

It is widely expected that the restart would involve at least some of the remaining fixtures being played behind-closed-doors with social distancing guidelines set to remain for some time.

Coppinger questioned how viable such an approach would be, and said he is struggling to decide whether it would be better to continue or end the season now.

“I’m not sure about it,” he said. “It’s under what circumstances?

“Will it be safe? Fans are going to want to congregate. If teams are getting promoted, fans are going to want to get involved if it’s behind closed doors. Will people come out and try to celebrate?

“It’s a really difficult one and I feel for the people in charge who are going to have to make the decisions.

“There will be winners and losers. There will definitely be people who are frustrated and disappointed if we don’t finish and probably visa versa too.”

All competitions below the National League North/South were expunged by the Football Association last month, including age group football.

Coppinger says he has sympathy for his two sons and their team mates, who have been denied the chance to complete successful campaigns.

“I feel for my kids and their teams,” he said.

“Both of them were top of the league and doing well. Both looked like being champions and one was going to get promoted so they were absolutely gutted.

“And the non-league clubs like Guisborough Town [his local team] etc, they’ve all stopped their seasons which is disappointing and frustrating.

“But I don’t think there is a lot that can be done to be honest.”