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League Two clubs formally bring 2019-20 season to early conclusion


The points-per-game system implemented sees Swindon leapfrog Crewe into first place in League Two

League Two clubs have formally voted to bring their season to a conclusion.

It follows a meeting between English Football League sides on Tuesday, during which it was agreed to keep promotion, relegation and play-offs.

The league table will be settled by a points-per-game format, meaning Swindon, Crewe and Plymouth go up and Stevenage are set to go down.

Clubs in League One are due to vote later on Tuesday to decide whether or not to bring their season to an end.

In order for a campaign to be curtailed, 51% of sides in any given EFL division need to agree to it – which could pave the way for the third-tier to be cancelled after teams had previously been split over a resolution.

Talks stalled after at least six clubs, including Sunderland, Portsmouth and Ipswich Town, said they wanted to continue the season.

Elite football in England has been suspended since 13 March because of coronavirus, with only the Premier League and Championship so far committing to resuming their seasons later this month.

Which teams are set to be promoted & relegated?

While the top half remains largely unaffected by the points-per-game system used, there is still some uncertainty over the situation at the other end of the table.

While Stevenage look set to finish bottom, matters have been complicated by the fresh EFL charge handed to Macclesfield Town on 1 June, relating to late payment of wages in March and for “failing to act with utmost good faith in respect of matters with the EFL and for breaching an order, requirement, direction or instruction of the league”.

Macclesfield are three points ahead of bottom side Stevenage, who have a game in hand.

However, the Silkmen have already had 11 points deducted for previous rule breaches this season and have a further suspended two-point penalty hanging over them if they transgress again.

In a statement, the EFL said “due to ongoing disciplinary matters, the final placings cannot yet be confirmed”.

As it stands, this is how promotion, relegation and the play-offs will finish:

  • Promoted: Swindon Town (champions), Crewe Alexandra, Plymouth Argyle
  • Play-offs: Colchester United v Exeter City, Northampton Town v Cheltenham Town
  • Relegated: Stevenage

Wembley to host League Two play-off final

The League Two play-off final will be behind closed doors at Wembley on 29 June

Following Tuesday’s vote, it was announced that the League Two play-off semi-finals are to begin on Thursday, 18 June – two days before the Championship season is set to resume.

The final, which will take place on Monday, 29 June, is to be held at Wembley as originally planned. All games will be held behind closed doors.

Thursday, 18 June: Semi-final first legs

  • Colchester United v Exeter City (17:15 BST)
  • Northampton Town v Cheltenham Town (19:45 BST)

Monday, 22 June: Semi-final second legs

  • Exeter City v Colchester United (17:15 BST)
  • Cheltenham Town v Northampton Town (20:00 BST)

Monday, 29 June: Final

TBC

What about League One?

Clubs in League One will be meeting later on Tuesday to vote on whether or not to continue their season.

If they choose to end their season early, this is how the table will finish:

  • Promoted: Coventry City (champions), Rotherham United
  • Play-offs: Wycombe Wanderers v Fleetwood Town, Oxford United v Portsmouth – dates tbc
  • Relegated: Tranmere Rovers, Southend United, Bolton Wanderers



Article courtesy of BBC Sport
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