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Interviews

KELVIN THOMAS - 'WE WANT TO PLAY THE SEASON TO A CONCLUSION'

The Cobblers Chairman on the coronavirus suspension

19 March 2020

Interviews

KELVIN THOMAS - 'WE WANT TO PLAY THE SEASON TO A CONCLUSION'

The Cobblers Chairman on the coronavirus suspension

19 March 2020

Northampton Town Chairman Kelvin Thomas has said the club would prefer to play this season to a conclusion rather than face some sort of hybrid solution to decide promotion and relegation issues.

Football is currently suspended because of the coronavirus, leading to fears the current season might not be finished.
 
"We have had a lot of conversations between clubs discussing various possibilities and solutions and the league representatives are now talking to the EFL about what the views of clubs are," he said. 
 
"From our view, the main priority - if everyone is safe and well - is to finish the season. From a football and an integrity of the competition view, that is the best solution.
 
"Can that be done by June 30th as UEFA have said? It is tight and we don't really know when we will be able to start again so that time might be cut further and further. It is a very challenging situation. Our view is that you either finish the season, that is obviously the priority - or you null and void it. I'm not too keen on any of the hybrid options I have seen discussed. Having to null and void the season would be very disappointing for us, sat in a play off position, and it would be even more disappointing for those teams in a promotion place, but you have to find a way through. 
 
"The contract situation (players contracts run until June 30th) is also a problem. There has been a lot of talk about this and we really need the PFA to get involved too. You could have a player out of contract at the end of June and they could be expected to play for you right up to and even beyond the end date of that contract and that needs to be discussed. There will need to be understanding on all sides to find a way forward. Football is in this together and we need to work together to find a solution.  
 
"As a club we are also in contact with some of the people who use our community programmes to see how we can support people through. We are in a better place than some clubs to get through this. We have our challenges but we need to focus on keeping people fit, healthy and safe."

 


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