Mark Catlin reveals how Portsmouth will vote in League One debate - and the proposal he will not be backing

And he is refusing to back any proposals which increase the number of clubs participating in a play-off campaign.

A delay in the scheduled issuing of ballot papers by the Football League on Tuesday night has created more frustration during the lengthy debate over the 2019-20 season.

League One’s 23 members have now been informed a meeting will take place on June 9.

Meanwhile, a new proposal tabled by Tranmere consists of a seven-team play-off programme, allowing Peterborough, Sunderland and Doncaster to join Pompey, Oxford, Fleetwood and Wycombe.

However, Catlin is adamant Pompey’s long-time stance will not change.

And the Blues’ chief executive remains committed to finishing the season – or alternatively featuring in a four-team play-off competition.

He said: ‘We have been consistent from the very start with our stance.

‘I know people say it’s in the best interests of Pompey and yes, of course it is, I’ve never said any different.

‘But, considering other leagues now are starting to come out of hibernation, I genuinely believe that, for the greater good of football, we should do all that we can to play – as long as it is safe to do so.

‘That is what we do, we are a football club.

‘From speaking to clubs and owners, I think a lot of people will have already made their minds up.

‘My job is to protect Portsmouth Football Club, its owners, its fans, its sponsors and stakeholders – and that is what I will be doing.

‘Why would I be pushing for an enlarged play-off? I couldn’t see myself voting for a scenario which doesn't at least give Pompey the one in four opportunity for promotion, which is currently on the table.

‘Our first choice is to finish the season. The second choice is the league’s proposal under an unweighted points per game basis which will see us end up in the play-offs.

‘That gives us a one in four chance of going up. Why would I vote for anything that is a one in six or one in 10 chance? It wouldn't make any sense.’

It may now be next Tuesday when League One clubs discover the outcome of the vote.

Certainly the wrangling has proven more complicated in League One compared to the Championship and League Two.

Catlin added: ‘With League One, it has such a mix of clubs in there, some are perfectly at home in the Championship and some are at home in League Two, which has been the issue all along.

‘Different clubs, different sizes, different financial resources, and, above all else, different aspirations.’

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