Doncaster Rovers: Major doubts over September start date for 20/21 season as clubs express reluctance over playing without fans

According to The Guardian, some clubs are concerned over the financial impact of playing matches behind-closed-doors - which would deny them their biggest source of income - and would prefer to wait until fans can be admitted to grounds.

It is reported that the EFL have outlined a three-week window, which would end on the weekend of September 12, for next season to begin in line with the Premier League.

Clubs will be faced with a major decision over losing alignment with the top flight, and potentially the Championship, which could have major ramifications in the future.

The split of opinion among clubs which caused a deep rift in talks over how the 19/20 season should be resolved looks set to continue, despite the vote to curtail that campaign earlier this week.

Some are said to be optimistic about playing without supporters or believe a limited number of fans could be allowed into stadiums within the next few months.

Others feel games would be played behind closed doors for the rest of 2020 at least, while Gillingham owner Paul Scally has warned a ‘period of hibernation’ may lay ahead.

Wycombe chairman Rob Couhig told the Guardian: “In the event that we are not promoted, playing without crowds would be a struggle.

“We expect attendances to contribute approximately 45 per cent of annual revenue.

“If we started the season knowing we would play the first 10-15 per cent of our games without crowds, we can survive.

“Much more than that and every home crowd lost will be a significant step towards financial jeopardy.”

Another League One owner said: “We don’t believe no fans means no income.

“I don’t think it will be the financial nightmare that people think it would be.

“We will be back before crowds sooner than people think.”

Accrington Stanley owner Andy Holt has balked at the suggestion of playing behind-closed-doors, declaring “football is about the community and fans.”

*

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor