Why Portsmouth and League One teams can't decide season's outcome as EFL vote is confirmed
League One is in deadlock over how to conclude the season.
And the incredibly tight race for promotion is a significant factor in why clubs can’t come to a consensus over how to decide the campaign.
That’s the view of The News’ chief sports writer, Neil Allen, in the latest edition of Pompey Talk - which you can download HERE.
The EFL this afternoon confirmed third-tier clubs will now vote over the best manner to decide the campaign, after so far failing to find a consensus amid the coronavirus suspension.
That means either playing the season to a conclusion when safe to do so or deciding on curtailment and unweighted points per game to define final positions.
That would then pave the way for promotion, relegation and play-offs to take place when safe to do so.
While many clubs are primarily looking at the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s a large number of teams who could still make the top six and automatic slots in League One.
Allen feels that’s a key issue when it comes to the split in opinions.
He said ‘It’s incredibly tight. Eighth place is three points behind second.
‘That’s the issue Pompey have got and clubs have got in this decision.
‘It’s so tight and can change weekend by weekend.
‘That’s why so many clubs are involved and why they can’t quite reach a conclusion.’
Allen also noted how there’s been little public comment from Rotherham through the debate over what happens moving forward.
He feels that’s hardly surprising given they narrowly hold an automatic berth with a tough run of games to come.
Allen added: ‘Rotherham are in second place two points above Pompey. They’ve got a horrendous run-in.
‘They’ve got all the top teams in the run-in, so don’t expect them to want to play the season!’