Cobblers fans could be back next season as EFL eye two potential start dates for 2020/21

Season likely to start with reduced capacity
Supporters could return to the PTS in September.Supporters could return to the PTS in September.
Supporters could return to the PTS in September.

Cobblers fans could be back at the PTS Academy Stadium for the start of next season after two potential start dates for the 2020/21 campaign were discussed at an EFL board meeting this week.

The plan, if safety guidelines allow, is to allow supporters into grounds at a reduced capacity so social distancing protocols can be adhered to.

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The two dates being debated for the first game of the season are August 29 and September 12. A formal vote is expected to take place soon.

Speaking to the club's official website, Shrewsbury chief executive Brian Caldwell revealed: “The EFL stated that they have been in discussion with the government for several weeks now regarding fans returning safely to grounds with social distancing measure still in place.

“The EFL are working closely with the Sports Ground Safety Authority on a study to look at crowd flows and social distancing to help ensure some form of fans can return to games safely on a potential reduced attendance.

“I think the main thing for fans to take away from this is that everything is being done to try and ensure fans can return to matches as soon as possible providing it’s safe of course.

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“It was mentioned that they are working closely with government and the relevant authorities with the goal of hopefully having the possibility of fans even on reduced attendances returning for the start of next season all being well.”

Depending on when next season starts, there could be up to 11 midweek games to squeeze in all the fixtures.

Caldwell added: “At the moment, we're working around the international break on September 5, would leave us with two potential start dates, either August 29 or September 12.

“If we were to vote on the 29th that would mean nine midweek matches instead of the normal five, with no runs of three league midweek games in a row.

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“If we were to vote on the 12th this would firstly mean a broken start to the new campaign as some clubs may have players away on international duty for up to 10 days.

“On top of that, midweek matches would become 11 instead of five therefore meaning that there could be three midweek games back-to-back. Part of the issue is the loss of furlough from an earlier return on August 29.

“Either option will cause a backload which is why it’s important to try and get crowds in if we can.”

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