Portsmouth chief Mark Catlin's admission as clock ticks down on EFL decision

The Blues’ stance on the 2019-20 campaign has always been to explore every possible way of completing the remaining fixtures, with the Fratton Park outfit having nine league games outstanding.

It’s a viewpoint shared by the likes of Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony, whose club sit sixth in the current table – one point behind fourth-placed Pompey.

However, according to widespread reports, there’s a growing sentiment from within the EFL that both League One and League Two are unlikely to restart this term because of coronavirus.

The EFL board met yesterday to discuss a path forward, with the game in England remaining at a standstill.

On Wednesday night it emerged that all Football League clubs would not be allowed to return to full training until May 25 at the earliest.

Meanwhile, League One chiefs, including Catlin, are expected to speak to the EFL on Friday to discuss further how the 2019-20 season can resume – if at all.

Speaking to the club website, Catlin said his ‘dream’ scenario would be to finish the season at some date and have a final go at promotion with the backing of the fans.

The alternative is to complete the campaign without the presence of supporters.

However, he conceded neither option looked realistic in the current climate.

Catlin told portsmouthfc.co.uk: ‘It seems a long way off now, but my dream finish for this season would obviously be to have the chance of a promotion push at a packed Fratton Park.

‘That is starting to look really difficult to achieve, as is being able to finish things behind closed doors.

“If the chance to make that happen doesn’t materialise then it will be so hard on everyone at the club.

‘Beyond that, my greatest hope for the future of football is that it will be in front of fans next season.’

Of course, there’s no guarantee the 2020-21 campaign will kick off with fans in the stands.

Catlin said it was a possible scenario all clubs should be bracing themselves for – despite it being a ‘soul-destroying’ thought.

‘Without them (fans) in the stadium for any lengthy period of time, I would have to question the point of matches,’ add the Pompey chief.

‘Starting next season without supporters would be soul-destroying – for me, football is the fans and everything we do is geared towards that magic moment of 3pm on a Saturday.

‘If I were allowed in for games as chief executive and supporters – via any mass gathering rule – were excluded, it would just not be enjoyable for me. The banter, atmosphere and energy is what it’s all about.

‘It’s a horrible thought and totally out of our control, but unfortunately a scenario that we have to potentially brace ourselves for.’