Doncaster Rovers’ League One rivals make productive suggestions about start of 2020/21 season

It is expected that a restart date of September 12 will be agreed upon by EFL clubs in the coming days.

But there is also understood to be strong reluctance from at least a dozen clubs to play matches without supporters present, due to the increased costs of staging games with Covid-19 testing remaining mandatory.

However, Shrewsbury have submitted a suggestion that could placate both camps, according to the Shropshire Star.

This would involve ties in the Carabao Cup and Leasing.com Trophy taking place between September 12 and 30, allowing opportunities to pilot the return of fans to grounds with reduced capacities and social distancing measures.

The prime minister announced last week that test events would take place from the beginning of August - including the World Snooker Championships at The Crucible in Sheffield - building up to a more widespread return of crowds to events by October.

Shrewsbury chief executive Brian Caldwell believes Carabao Cup and Leasing.com Trophy matches could be ideal test events for clubs, as they typically attract fewer supporters.

Loading cup fixtures prior to the start of the league would also mean there will be a reduction in the number of midweeks required for matches.

Caldwell has also suggested that League One and Two seasons are extended until May 15, with two fixtures over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend in the same manner as the Easter fixtures.

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