6 League One Clubs 'United' in Desire to Finish Season
Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has made an announcement on behalf of six League One clubs, stating that the collective have 'no desire' to end the season prematurely and decide final positions on the points per game (PPG) that has been used elsewhere.
Clubs in the EFL's bottom two divisions were reported last week to be largely in favour of calling the season now in the midst of coronavirus pandemic, with the idea of closed-doors games not a viable option for lower league teams who rely heavily on gate income.
Peterborough, Oxford United, Portsmouth and Fleetwood Town, however - who occupy the current playoff positions, and would miss out on the chance to earn promotion under those plans - remain steadfastly against calling the campaign early.
Fixtures/season under guidance from the EFL at a time it is deemed safe to do so. Thank you for your time.
— Darragh MacAnthony (@DMAC102) May 14, 2020
They're joined by Sunderland, who sit outside the top six on goal difference, and tenth-placed Oxford.
Peterborough owner MacAnthony said on Twitter: "We as a collective are united in our goal to finish this season. We have no desire for voiding the season, PPG scenarios or letting a computer decide our footballing fate.
"For our fans, staff and for the integrity of our sport we are all looking forward to completing our pending fixtures and season under guidance from the EFL at a time it is deemed safe to do so. Thank you for your time."
Fleetwood owner Andy Pilly added: "We at Fleetwood are backing the completion of League One fixtures.
We @ftfc are backing the completion of @EFL lge 1 fixtures.
— Andy Pilley (@capboy70) May 14, 2020
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
"Sporting integrity is of paramount importance, we cannot accept points per game or any other conclusion without giving it our best shot in a safe environment.
"Germany, Premier League, Championship and many more are completing and so should we."
The Bundesliga will be the first major European league to return to action with a full card of fixtures this weekend, including a hotly anticipated Revierderby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke on Saturday afternoon.
The Premier League, meanwhile, are pushing for a June return, but are facing opposition from players and coaches within the division - many feeling it is not yet safe to resume.
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