League Two clubs to hold crunch talks to discuss ending the season now

The EFL and Premier League have repeatedly committed to finding a way to conclude the campaign, even if it requires matches going behind closed doors. To allow that to happen, FIFA approved new proposals that will allow clubs to extend player contracts beyond June 30.

However, around 200 players in League Two are thought to be out of contract this summer - including at least 10 at the Cobblers - and many clubs are already struggling financially without the extra expense of extending current deals.

And with clubs unable to generate income due to no gate receipts if matches are put behind closed doors, it is reported that there is a growing fear that many lower league sides would rather scrap the season altogether.

While Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas has vowed to pay all players and staff 100 per cent of their wages for as long as possible, that is not the case at other clubs in League Two.

Ending the season now would mean no promotion for the current top three and a lifeline for bottom-of-the-table Stevenage.

A growing number of clubs in both League One and Two are also said to be pushing for an immediate end to the season. They are not thought to include the Cobblers after chairman Kelvin Thomas and manager Keith Curle both expressed their willingness to complete the season.

"What we found was that there's a general consensus and everybody wants the season to be finished and I think everybody will work towards that once more information comes out," said Thomas recently.

"But the reality is that the situation will dictate what happens and it won't be down to people's decisions because the virus dictates everything and we have to be careful when we talk about football because people are being seriously affected and dying from this horrible virus."

However, Cambridge United chief executive Ian Mather shares a different view. "I'm beginning to think it's unlikely that we will finish this season, but that's a personal view," he told the BBC.

"I've spoken to a chief executive from a club that's at the top and he said that they'd be prepared for the season to be scrapped, even if it takes away a chance of promotion.

"I think on balance, and being realistic, we would (vote to) scrap the season, but that's not to say that's a view that everyone shares. If we have to play the season we'll play it."