Thomas remains optimistic that fans will return to grounds next season

Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas has warned against being drawn into speculation that football supporters will be unable to attend matches until at least the start of 2021.

FA chairman Greg Clarke said last week that he 'can't see' games being played in front of crowds 'any time soon' while others have warned it might take the best part of a year for fans to return.

As a result of the uncertainty, the Cobblers have decided not to put next year's season tickets on sale until there is greater clarity over when and how football can resume.

"I think we have to be slightly wary of media reports at this time because we have to make sure we focus on the facts that are available," said Thomas.

"We don't want to get too carried away with speculation but the reality is a lot of our income, outside the Premier League and EFL money, comes from fans through the door and having fans in the ground.

"We appreciate that and it's why we do so much work around that by encouraging season ticket sales and encouraging fans into the club and welcoming fans into the club.

"It will have a significant financial impact (if games are behind closed doors), there's no question about it and that's why there's a conversation around streaming and what we can do with iFollow."

It has been suggested that the EFL could stream all games that are behind closed doors and make them available on iFollow.

Thomas added: "That conversation has become very detailed over the last few weeks from the Football League's perspective and also from within the club with James (Whiting) regarding how that could impact us and how we could mitigate some of the financial impact if we are behind closed doors.

"But we need to wait until we get a better understanding in terms of what we're selling. It could be a regular season ticket because football gets back to normal or maybe it could be a combined season ticket that gives people access to home games both for iFollow and attending games in person once the season resumes with fans coming through the door."