Blackpool want decisions made soon to ease uncertainty

The Seasiders have provided the EFL with the required feedback on its ‘recommended framework’ for concluding the season and look forward to pressing ahead with a vote.

The EFL has proposed that if clubs decide not to complete their league fixtures, final tables should be based on unweighted points-per-game averages, with promotion (including play-offs) and relegation taking place.

Blackpool were this week still awaiting an invitation to vote and said the ongoing uncertainty made it difficult for the club to make plans and to update supporters.

Chief executive Ben Mansford told The Gazette: “The uncertainty is a concern for fans as well as for players and staff.

“We were asked to give feedback by Tuesday on the framework proposed by the EFL but as of now we have not been invited to participate in any vote. We are just waiting for the EFL.

“What’s difficult for clubs is the lack of visibility as regards what is currently happening and what will happen next season.

“That has made it immensely difficult for us to explain matters when the reality is there has been no real news.”

Mansford explained that any vote concerning League One would go beyond its 23 clubs.

He added: “What will happen is they will give us two choices - to play out the fixtures or decide the season on points-per-game.

“However, any decision which would affect fixtures or structures would need to be approved by a 51 per cent majority of clubs in the league in question but also by 51 per cent of the Championship.

“So to end the League One season – and League Two have already indicated they want to end – you would need 12 of the 23 League One clubs to vote to end the season and you would need the Championship to rubberstamp it.”

Blackpool would “wait to see something tangible” before making a final decision on how to vote, though Mansford acknowledged the choices were “very difficult”.

The Seasiders chief added: “The EFL’s Return to Training protocol is a 50-page document and quite rightly. More than 37,000 have died in this country.

“We have to accept that getting football back is a sign of some normality. It gives people entertainment and something to focus on.

“I see the pros of playing football again but I also see that we are in a global pandemic and people are losing loved ones.

“Finishing the season would be very expensive. We would have the considerable costs of coronavirus testing. It would also cost a significant amount to take staff off furlough and to put measures in place to look after players in the safest possible environment.”