Optimistic Mark Catlin eyes return of Portsmouth supporters to Fratton Park

However, clubs may have to operate with a reduced capacity in order to maintain social-distancing guidelines.

The dates of August 29 and September 12 have so far been thrown around by the Football League, albeit still to be clarified.

Catlin himself anticipates Pompey being back in League One action for the 2020-21 campaign by mid-September.

Should that be the case, attention then turns to when supporters will be readmitted.

Catlin told The News: ‘I am hoping an element of fans will be allowed in for the start of the season.

‘However, that is out of our control and really a decision for the government.

‘I don't like to comment on things which I don’t know about, but I would be surprised if we were back for the start of the season at 100 per cent of our capacity.

‘If there was a reduced capacity – and I know that is unpalatable – but we must maximise whatever revenue we can.

‘So if fans are allowed back in whatever numbers, we will try to accommodate to the best of our ability.

‘I am assuming it will be on the percentage of your capacity, but that will be heavily dependent on individual stadiums and their ability to enable social distancing in and out of the stadium.’

Pompey staged their play-off semi-final first leg against Oxford United at Fratton Park behind closed doors.

The club were pleased with how they implemented the changes, which went according to plan following painstaking preparation.

Reduced capacity would create a whole different challenge, although off-set by the opportunity to resurrect match-day income.

However, Catlin believes the older stadiums will find it harder to introduce such measures.

He added: ‘There is a chance the more modern larger stadiums with big concourses and numerous entry and exit routes may be more advantageous than a club like Pompey.

‘Clearly the structure and design of Fratton Park was built in the time before modern stadiums.’

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