Thomas hopeful of fans returning for start of next season

Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas is hopeful that the loosening of coronavirus restrictions will mean some fans can return to football grounds from the start of next season.

The Premier League and Championship have restarted their seasons behind closed doors while Northampton are currently involved in the League Two play-offs, also being played without supporters in the ground.

However, with the government giving the green light for non-essential shops to open, as well as pubs and hairdressers, it's hoped that fans can return when next season kicks off, which could be around September.

France have announced that stadiums will re-open to fans from July 11 as the country emerges from lockdown, with up to 5,000 supporters to be allowed in to watch live sport. That figure could also increase later in the summer.

Speaking ahead of Monday's play-off final, Thomas told BBC Radio Northampton: "We've got a League One and a League Two meeting next one and I know which one I'd rather be in!

"We'll talk about next season at the meeting but I think the general view is to try and get going as quickly as we can and when guidelines allow some fans to get in.

"It's encouraging to see the French are looking to play with 5,000 people in and there's also talk of either the FA Cup or Community Sheild potentially having some fans in so hopefully we'll get there sooner rather than later."

Although there is growing hope of fans returning in September, it is feared some clubs might go bust before then due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"It depends on when next season starts because the quicker we can get back playing with fans in the ground safely, the better it is for everyone," Thomas added.

"We all had the view of wanting to finish the season on the pitch but some clubs could handle the finances better and that's why it was an easier decision to end the season in League Two than League One.

"It's cost a lot of money to even play the play-offs. Will clubs go out of business? I don't think so - as long as we start next season relatively quickly."