What Oxford, Sunderland, Fleetwood and Ipswich said after joining forces with Portsmouth and Peterborough to finish League One season

After Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony took to Twitter to issue a statement on behalf of the Posh, the Blues, Oxford, Sunderland, Fleetwood and Ipswich to confirm their collective belief the 2020-21 campaign should be completed, Pompey CEO Mark Catlin also spoke to outline the Fratton Park side’s stance.

Ahead of today’s meeting of EFL clubs, 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.’

Now the other clubs involved have released statements.

Here’s what they’ve had to say, along with MacAnthony’s Twitter initial comment.

Oxford United Managing Director Niall McWilliams

‘We want to play.

‘Obviously that’s not going to be easy and I don’t envy the EFL trying to find a way to make it happen but as a club we would love to finish the job that we started all those months ago and try to win promotion on the pitch.

‘It feels like society is slowly taking the first steps back towards normal life and that inevitably means people asking when we are going back.

‘Everyone sees the speculation and the different scenarios and we spoke to a number of clubs this week just to try and gauge opinion.

‘Our message to them, and to the fans remains the same. If a safe way can be found for football to return then we will be ready.’

Fleetwod Town chairman Andy Pilley

‘We are backing the completing of EFL League One fixtures.

‘Sporting integrity is of paramount importance, we cannot accept PPG or any other conclusion without giving it our best shot in a safe environment.

‘Germans, Prem, championship and many more are completing and so should we.’

Sunderland CEO Jim Rodwell

‘We face various challenges to complete the season, but we feel we owe it to our supporters and players, and the game, to ensure our remaining fixtures are fulfilled.

‘League tables are decided by what happens on the pitch, not in a meeting room.

‘Together, we know that we can overcome those challenges and when it is safe to do so, end the campaign the right way. ‘

Ipswich

The Club have yet to release a statement but owner Marcus Evans has written to the EFL to reiterate the club's desire to finish the season.

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony

‘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.’