We Asked A Fan From Every Championship Club How They Want The Season To Finish
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
The EFL say their main priority is a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season, but without an end to the lockdown in sight, we asked fans from each Championship club how they think the season should be brought to a close.
How will this Championship season end? The question every Championship club fan wants to know, but no-one has a definitive answer to. With the COVID-19 outbreak affecting everyone and of course football, it’s uncharted territory for the industry and fans alike.
For many, football offers escapism. A chance to go through the turnstiles with your family, friends, and thousands of other fans, cheer on your team and forget about the outside world for 90 minutes. It provides social interaction, conversation and can let you express emotions you didn’t realise you had. Who really hates a linesman, when you think about it? To some, it might seem trivial to focus on topics like football in these uncertain times, but for most fans football has almost always been routine. So when that cycle suddenly stops, the silence is deafening.
With nine games left to play in the third most-watched league in European football, how do you end arguably the most competitive league in English football? On 19 March, EFL Chair, Rick Parry, in a video on the EFL Communications Twitter account, expressed their main intention is to finish the season. He said: “We discussed all the aspects of the virus and the potential outcomes and permutations. We reaffirmed our commitment to finishing the season on the pitch, we want it to be competitive, have promotion and relegation places decided properly.”
Despite this, it is still unknown when football will resume and what it will be like when it does. Will it be behind closed doors? What happens to players’ contracts that expire? Do you null and void the season, like football leagues below the National League?
We reached out to fans and journalists covering EFL clubs across the country and the league to ask their opinions. How should the 2019/20 season end?
Thank you to everyone that took part in this, all their links are below if you want to give them a follow.
Barnsley FC have been reliving memorable matches during the downtime, such as posting articles about their stoppage-time winner against Walsall in 2019. Photo source: Barnsley
Barnsley FC - Carlo van de Watering, The Reds Report
“We've asked the fans and null and voiding the season is unsurprisingly the preferred option. The difficulty is that as we don't know when it's safe to attend and play matches again it's hard to look at anything else.
“Some players' contracts are expiring on 1st June and you cannot promote the top two only, either you finish the season or we start again. Other difficulties in going for the null and void option is what happens to Europa and Champions League qualification in the Premier League?
“Cramming nine matches, playoffs, cup matches and finals into two months or so is just not practicable. Given our predicament of being bottom of the league, it is no surprise we just want to forget that the 2019/2020 season even existed and start again please!”
Birmingham City - James Jenkinson, Birmingham Fan TV
“I think the most sensible thing to do would be to aim to complete the season if possible. To have played 75% of the season and call it void would be incredibly harsh and almost tar the integrity of the game itself.
“Now the longer that the virus has a grip the more difficult things become. If we’re clear by sometime in the summer then it would make sense to finish the season even if it means starting next season much later, cancel the winter breaks and international friendly games and look to utilise midweek schedules as much as possible. Potentially even cancelling the league cup next season would be sensible.
“If the virus goes on until the winter then as a second option I would look to end the season as things stand and award Leeds and West Brom automatics with the team in third the last spot.”
Blackburn Rovers - Daniel Ainsworth, Rovers Chat
“In an ideal world, I’d love for the season to be played out in front of the fans. However, I realise this may not be possible, so I’d suggest going behind closed doors as an alternative.
“To me, it is vital for the integrity of the competition to finish the season and make sure all 46 matches are played and then see where all the teams end up. Teams have spent a lot of money and time for this season and for it to be null and void, and that would be the worst thing that could happen for me.
“Whatever happens, as long as everyone is safe and well, the season should be played out some way or another.”
Brentford FC - Billy Grant, Beesotted
“My preferred option is to restart the season whenever the time is right and safe to restart matches with fans attending. I realise that may not be until much later this year. If so, so be it. Finances. Integrity. Legal reasons. You should always finish what you have started. So many reasons to finish this season off when the time is right.
“For many clubs, there will be a number of issues still to deal with. But with the season being pretty much put on hold for months, if you knew the season was to start again, cash flow would become more of the issue than missing income (which is the situation we would get if matches are abandoned).
“Of course, there will be unknowns to deal with but those are hurdles that would and could be dealt with. If for some reason, clubs were unable to find a way to finish the matches with crowds allowed back into stadia towards the back end of the year, I would opt for playing matches behind closed doors as much as I hate the idea. And I think every fan who watches their team play week in and week out on the terraces would feel the same.”
Bristol City - Stanley Hughes, One Stream in Bristol
“Play to the current suggested timeline of completing the season by June 30th, but all games are played behind closed doors. I think the season is always going to be tarnished no matter what happens. So many teams will kick up a fuss if it ends up getting voided so I can't personally see voiding it as a credible option.
“For me, I would let ticket holders get a free pass to watch the game online and charge those without a ticket a reasonable amount to watch it. The revenue from these E-tickets should be split down the pyramid to help out the clubs in the lower divisions. They are the ones who really need the money the most right now.”
Cardiff City - Tom Coleman, Wales Online
“The season has to be finished in some capacity, even if it means playing games behind closed doors. In the Premier League, it's inconceivable that Liverpool should be denied a first title in 30 years, while the picture is nowhere near as clear cut when it comes to Europe and relegation.
“Then, in the Championship, what do you do? Hand the top two promotion now? What about the teams battling it out for the playoffs? To my mind, anyone from third all the way down to 13th is in the running for a top-six finish - and the potential lucrative payday of the Premier League. The finances at stake here are staggering and can make or break the long-term futures of clubs. It's no surprise that the general consensus in the Championship, therefore, is that the season should be finished. Cardiff boss Neil Harris himself has said as much.
What will happen to the FA Cup and European competitions remains to be seen, but in my opinion, both should also be finished if at all possible. Given we may not be back underway until the latter part of the summer and, with a European Championship to also squeeze in next year, the most logical solution could be to sacrifice the following year's campaign.”
Charlton Athletic have spent their downtime producing a colourful new mural which pays tribute to Charlton superfan Seb Lewis, who passed away earlier this week. Photo source: Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic - Louis Mendez, Charlton Live
“My personal preference is if possible, complete the season in full by the end of this year and cancel next season – although next season needn’t be totally cancelled. We’re just nine games away from the end of the Championship season. The teams sitting just outside the top two deserve the chance to try and chase the leaders, and the sides in the bottom three should have the opportunity to save themselves. Anything else will ruin the integrity of the competition.
“I’d like to see the season saved until supporters can attend but will understand behind-closed-doors games as a last resort. Once the season can be finished, we can have a break of just a few weeks before heading into the next campaign.
“In order to truncate the 2020/21 season we can drop the cup competitions and if needed find a way to play fewer league games (just one game between each club for example). All clubs will know what the rules are before entering the new season so it will be considered fair.”
Derby County - Ryan Dilks, Second Tier Podcast
“From a selfish Derby fan perspective, the sooner this season finishes the better. We’ve got nothing to play for so we’re already looking ahead to next season. The only thing we’ve had to look forward to for the rest of the season is watching our young players develop and continue to get game time.
“What should happen with the rest of the season? As much as Derby fans would love to see Leeds and Forest denied promotion, I think the season’s got to be finished. It would be ridiculous to void it at this stage. With the Euros cancelled now it means there’s no excuse for it not to be complete.”
Fulham - Joe Sansom, Fulhamish Podcast
“I’d attempt to finish the season properly (with fans) but then make sure next season isn’t affected - possibly other than a slightly later start time. This is because so many things are yet to be decided in terms of all leagues, not just the Championship.”
“With the season so far underway I think making it void would be unfair on those who have almost achieved their aims or even exceeded them. People may say I am biased as Fulham sit in third and could still make top two or go for promotion through the playoffs, but I think it is extremely important in terms of relegation battles etc.
“However, if the season was to still not be underway in many months time (for example June/July) I personally would continue it behind closed doors to minimise further disruption to future seasons. No matter what happens, I strongly disagree with the option of making the season null and void!”
Huddersfield Town - Richard Kosmala, And He Takes That Chance
“This wouldn’t be feasible but it’d be same for everyone. Finish the season however long it takes and then have a 23 game season next season. Obviously, the longer this goes on the less income that makes for clubs. We spoke to the Huddersfield Town chairman Phil Hodgkinson recently and he said that he doesn’t expect 92 clubs in the football leagues when we resume the season, whenever that is. It all makes a grim picture.”
Our writers also talked about their preferred option for finishing the season, which you can read here.
Hull City - Jonty Colman, Yorkshire Live
“As soon as it’s safe to do so, get football back and play out the season, even if it is a few months behind schedule. Take The Championship, for example, there’s Leeds and West Brom who are in a really favourable season but at the same time, they haven’t guaranteed promotion yet. I don’t think you want to be granted promotion, you want to earn it.
At the bottom end, it’s very different. The teams that looked certain to get relegated have been in fantastic form recently and if you say now the top two are going to go up, teams in third to sixth will be in the playoffs and the bottom three will get relegated, it’s unfair. Especially at this time of the season because some teams pick up some form out of nowhere. For me, the best part of the season is still yet to come.
“Based solely on the reaction I’ve seen on social media, ta few Hull City fans that wouldn’t object to the season ending now and that’s only because the team’s form is so bad. Hull are two points off safety, so if you called it now, Hull would stay up. Ethically and for the sake of football, I’m sure fans would want to see the season play out and go back and cheer on their team. It’s not that Hull City are destined for the drop either, even though they have been in woeful form. Deep down, no matter how your season is going, people want football to be back on.”
Leeds United - Oscar Marriott, All Leeds TV
“The main issue which faces the football league is there is absolutely no clear timescale as to when the virus will peak. The ideal solution for me would be to try and finish the season even if it has to be done behind closed doors, but the idea of finishing the season off and cancelling next season doesn’t sit well with me.
“We’ve got to do everything we can to protect next season. COVID-19 has ruined one season of football we can’t allow it to ruin another. If there is no chance we can start playing again (even behind closed doors) by the middle of May to allow sufficient time to finish the season by June 30th then we have to call it off.
“I would follow the idea of no teams relegated and the teams in automatic promotion slots promoted. It might seem bias and that’s fair enough, I would rather get promoted by playing the games but not at the expense of a good full season of football next season after we have hopefully got through this difficult time. The ideal would be finishing the season behind closed doors from mid-May to end of June and then restart next season in September. If that isn’t possible we’ve got to call off the season and adjust the leagues.”
Luton Town have been focusing on their community work, like awarding Beech Hill School their Community Champion' award. Photo source: Luton Town
Luton Town - James Cunliffe, The Lutonian
“Finish the season behind closed doors, with mandatory tests for players, to ensure they are fit and healthy to play. And, to help lift fans' spirits, televise games on terrestrial TV and give a cut of whatever revenue is made to clubs.
“If this season runs into what would've been next season, so be it, but protect the integrity of the competition by completing it. Then cancel all cups and internationals for however long it takes to ensure domestic leagues have a chance of getting back on track.”
Middlesborough - Stephen Jackson, Twe12thman
“The season has to finish, we cannot null and void the season, but we need to finish the season when it is safe for fans to attend again.”
Millwall - Nick Hart, Achtung! Millwall Podcast
“Given that the virus is projected to take a heavy toll of life, hopefully not too much but it will hit hard - I really can’t see how the Premier League and EFL can plan for a resumption of ‘normality’ until September/October at the earliest.
“I would restart the season as soon as the conditions allow - I reckon that won’t be till September at the earliest. Finish 2019-20 before Christmas / winter break / then ‘2020-21’ as a reduced campaign from Jan - May 2021.”
Nottingham Forest - Rich Ferraro, Forest Ramble
“There really isn’t a perfect option is there? For the Championship, option 2 isn’t fair because there is still all to play for, especially at the bottom of the table. Option 1 not good because not fair on Leeds and West Brom, who have been the two best sides.
“The best option in my eyes is to play to the current suggested timeline of completing the season by June 30th, but all games are played behind closed doors, assuming that none of the clubs involved has any ongoing cases of coronavirus in their players or staff. Obviously contracts expire at the end of June, so this presents issues with player availability (and Sabri Lamouchi could conceivably be out of contract as well!), and even if fans cannot be there it would be good to conclude the season.
“I don’t think Forest are going up automatically, so it would be a real bummer if they got to the play-off final and we couldn’t go! Still, probably the best option in a very difficult situation.”
Preston North End - Jake Oates, From the Finney
“It would be good to try and play the season out and have it finished by June 30th but in the current climate, I don't see that happening. I think we'll be locked down for the majority of April and if the Government relaxed rules around the staying at home rules and we somehow had June to play the games, it would be nearly impossible to try and play all the remaining games in a month.
“Personally, the season needs to be finished. It'd be a crying shame for those who are in with a chance of achieving something to have played 80% of the season to have that chance stripped away from them. Even if that means we play a reduced season next season or we change the way the season runs.
“Regardless, whichever way the authorities decide to go about ending this season, it won't please everyone. Let's just hope we're in a position to continue playing at some point without too much of a toll taken on the country, the NHS and our population.”
QPR - Clive Whittingham, LoftForWords
“The most sensible suggestion came from our manager Mark Warburton when he played the grown-up in the room on the circus that is Sky Sports News at the moment. Behind closed doors assumes the players aren’t going to get it, which they are. If you null and void the season, teams in the promotion or relegation spots would lawyer up, and rightly so. If you just take the league tables as they are now, then the teams on the other side of the dotted lines would do likewise.
“As funny as it would be to see Leeds denied promotion, the season has to finish, and everything has to move back to make that happen. Once we have a start date then things will become clearer but let’s say that the start date is three months from now. In that circumstance the expiring contracts must automatically be extended by three months from June 30 to September 30, the transfer window moves three months, the start of next season moves three months and so on.
“If I’m a player that’s already got a deal lined up June 30, do I want to risk that with an injury by playing after that date? There’ll be players lined up for big money moves this summer, and clubs relying on that money, like QPR with Eze. Sooner or later somebody is going to have to not get what they want for the greater good and Warburton’s suggestion of moving everything in line with a restart date and then decide what you’re doing with next season or the season after down the line is the only workable one.”
Reading FC have donated almost 100kg of fresh fruit and vegetables to the local branch of Salvation Army. Photo Source: Reading FC
Reading - Simeon Pickup, The Tilehurst End
“Based on the options, I’d go with playing to the current suggested timeline of completing the season by June 30th, but all games are played behind closed doors.
“Considering that Euro 2020 is now postponed by a year, there's now the room over the summer to finish this season properly. Doing that is important to ensure the campaign is seen as being legitimate and fair by all parties.
“Coronavirus is likely to affect us for some time, so it's safer to play those games behind closed doors - rather than potentially putting people in danger.”
Sheffield Wednesday - Ben Woodcock, The Wednesday Week
“I think we’ve got to try and play the season out at all costs. If this means games would take place behind closed doors then I think that’s what we’ve got to do. It’s not desirable because without fans in the stadium games can play out completely differently.
“Depending on how long this goes on for then even the chances of playing the games behind closed doors becomes slimmer. If it’s going to eat into next season then I think points per game should be worked out for the remaining games. As we can’t be starting next season too late because we’d end up in a long term situation where we’d be playing the Euros and then two months later the World Cup which seems ridiculous to me.”
Stoke City - Ben Rowley, The YYY Files/ Marc Espley, Stoke Loud and Proud
Stoke City is a bit different, we had two fans come back to us so rather than just pick one, you get two opinions from Potters fans!
Ben Rowley’s response:
“As a Stoke fan, I should be selecting an option that gives us the security of staying in the Championship, pointing towards cancelling the season. However, I don't think that's fair and just on anybody: teams should be promoted and relegated after completing a full season and we simply shouldn't just ignore what's happened this season.
“In an ideal scenario, the country will go through this period of isolation and will be able to carry on as normal afterwards. This is where I'd like to see the rest of the season played out ASAP, promote/relegate/champion teams accordingly, then progress into a new, condensed 2020/21 season.
“However, I can see this period of isolation either happening for a long time, or we may be subjected to multiple stints of isolation of some kind. Realistically, in this case, cancelling the 2020/21 season and turning this season into a 2019/20/21 season is the fairest for all. Fans get to see their teams when it is safe to do so and competitions can be completed normally. How the prizes for the 2020/21 season would be distributed would be up for debate, but I'm sure there's a fair way of allocating it somehow.”
Marc Espley’s response:
“The season has too many factors at the moment that could alter and the FA & Premier League would be wise to try as hard as possible to play all the games still left. Voiding the season would have many a lawyer rubbing their hands & the potential lawsuits against the FA from the likes of Liverpool and Leeds.
“The FA are keeping an open mind on the season hence only postponing in one-month blocks, this is only an option till June 31st, if football has not started back by then, then the other problem of players contracts comes into play. If the season does restart prior to June 30th then I think they can push through the remaining games by the 15th August. Then start the next season on the 12th September and play Tuesday/Saturday up until Christmas to catch up with time lost. That seems the only viable option.
“Unfortunately, my honest opinion is that this season will be voided as I can’t see football starting back anytime soon. This could be the end of the current pyramid system we have as many a team will fold.”
Swansea City - Ryan Pridmore, Ambition is Critical
“I don't think it's feasible but I'd chose to see the season finished behind closed doors. My 2nd choice would be to just null and void the season. No option seems fair to be honest but nobody could see this type of thing happening and teams are going to get stiffed one way or the other.”
Wigan Athletic - Barry Worthington, Progress with Unity
“Based on the options, I would go for getting the season completed by the end of June even if that means playing behind closed doors.
“It is probably the fairest way to conclude, I don't think it is right to extend beyond that date as some players' contracts will have expired and clubs will lose members of their current squads, out of contract and loan players.
“There would need to be 'clean bill of health' papers for both players and staff for this to happen, but the season could be concluded and then maybe put the start of the new season back three months or so until we have some sort of control over this pandemic.”
West Brom - Thomas Rogers, Baggies Analytics
“If the season can not be completed then decide it on a team’s average position in the league table.”
How do you think the Championship season should end? Let us know in the comments!
