Portsmouth join forces with six-strong group including Sunderland and Ipswich as battle to save season intensifies

Pompey have joined a six-strong collective of League One heavy-hitters who’ve underlined their determination to finish the season.
Pompey chief executive Mark Catlin. Picture: Joe Pepler Pompey chief executive Mark Catlin. Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey chief executive Mark Catlin. Picture: Joe Pepler

And the Blues have tonight released a statement reaffirming their belief the 2020-21 campaign should be completed - however long that takes.

Peterborough boss Darragh MacAnthony took to Twitter to issue a statement on behalf of the Posh, Pompey, Oxford, Sunderland, Fleetwood and Ipswich.

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The statement read: ‘We as a collective are United in our goal to finish this season.

‘We have no desire for voiding the season, PPG scenario’s/letting a computer decide our footballing fate.

‘For our fans/staff & for the integrity of our sport we are all looking forward to completing our pending - fixtures/season under guidance from the EFL at a time it is deemed safe to do so. Thank you for your time.’

Pompey followed that by releasing their own statement ahead of a meeting of EFL clubs tomorrow with chief executive Mark Catlin highlighting the club’s position remains consistent.

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Catlin said: ‘We owe it to supporters, staff, sponsors and football in general to do everything that we can to get this season completed.

‘There are difficulties in achieving this and we fully understand that, but there is no need to currently make any kneejerk decisions in regards of voiding the season until we have all the information required to make an informed decision on the subject – ranging from safety, which remains our primary concern, through to the financial implications, both for this season and beyond, of taking such a drastic and momentous course of action.

‘Even if the season goes on longer than we would all like, for the integrity of the sport we feel we should give it every opportunity to reach a natural – and, of course, safe – conclusion.’

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