Number of League One and Two clubs in favour of ending season now - how it could impact Portsmouth

There is a growing momentum behind having different solutions in different divisions with reports there is a strong belief the Championship must follow the Premier League, who are keen to complete when safe.

However, the picture is mixed in the bottom two tiers with the Times reporting a growing number of owners are in favour of ending the season now to avoid the financial costs to the smaller clubs of playing matches behind closed doors with no fans watching.

The lower down the football pyramid you go the more clubs rely on matchday income and the prospect of fans being allowed back in is seemingly months away.

Further talks are planned with the EFL this week about a way ahead and while no firm decisions are expected, one option could be to end the season and use points-per-game to finalise the tables.

Sunderland and Peterborough United are among the clubs that want the season to be concluded. Portsmouth would finish fifth in League One under the PPG system.

The Times report: “A meeting of League Two clubs with the EFL leaders will take place tomorrow with a similar event planned for those in League One towards the end of the week, where discussions are expected to include drawing a line under the season to avoid the financial costs to the smaller clubs of playing behind closed doors.

“One suggestion is that the tables for League One and Two be decided on points per game, with a play-off tournament for those in third to sixth position (or fourth to seventh in League Two) to settle the final promotion place.”

Pompey CEO Mark Catlin had said he was convinced the 2019-20 season would resume – primarily behind closed doors.

“My opinion is there will be a gradual relaxation and return to what we knew as normality,” Catlin said. “However, I think among the last restrictions to be lifted will be mass gatherings. Again, that is my opinion.

“Do I believe football will now take place behind closed doors to get this season finished? Yes. I think we have to look at that.

“Whether it be Pompey with just under 20,000 supporters or Manchester United with 60,000, I cannot see that amount of people being allowed to congregate together in the short term.

“We are already looking and working on different scenarios, though. I see Uefa have recently lifted the 3pm blackout rule for broadcasting Saturday games.

“I am not privy to anything else, but you can only assume that will allow clubs the freedom to broadcast games at that time, with supporters not in the stadium.

“At Pompey, there are a variety of different scenarios we are looking at – and broadcasting games in a closed stadium to supporters is something we are considering.

“It’s not ideal, but we are not living in ideal times. These are extraordinary times and extraordinary times call for extraordinary decisions.”