Everything we know so far about Sunderland's return to League One action - including a 2020/21 start date and transfer plans

Sunderland and their League One rivals are moving towards a return to action – with the 2020/21 season quickly appearing on the horizon.
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But it’s set to be a campaign unlike any other, with some key changes made to various aspects of the game.

Here’s everything we know so far about the plans in place for Sunderland's return to action:

When will the 2020/21 League One season begin?

Everything we know so far about Sunderland's return to action in the 2020/21 League One seasonEverything we know so far about Sunderland's return to action in the 2020/21 League One season
Everything we know so far about Sunderland's return to action in the 2020/21 League One season
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A firm restart date is expected to be announced within the next fortnight, but the expectation is that League One will begin on September 12.

Two potential restart dates were put to clubs – August 29 and September 12 – and it’s the latter of the two which has the backing of the majority of the clubs.

When are Sunderland allowed to return to training?

Sunderland can return to training at the Academy of Light whenever they see fit.

Some League One clubs have already returned to training in varying guises. Peterborough United have welcomed back some of their younger players already, while Ipswich Town intend to return to training this week.

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Doncaster Rovers, meanwhile, are set to resume training on August 3.

Speaking at a meeting with fan groups on Thursday, club officials at Sunderland confirmed that players would be brought off furlough in the coming weeks to facilitate a return to training.

When players do return to training, they will have to progress through the EFL’s returning to training protocols – which will see the squad initially made to train in small groups before building-up to full scale, contact sessions. Players and staff will also have to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week under the current plans.

Will the fixture schedule be different this season?

Yes, the expectation is that the fixture schedule will be vastly different this season.

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Firstly, the season is set to kick-off with two cup games. While League One may not start until September 12, clubs have been advised that the first round of the Carabao Cup is set to take place on September 5, while a Leasing.com Trophy game will also be held on September 8/9.

There are set to be more midweek games this season, given the condensed nature of the campaign, while there is a push from clubs to play as many fixtures as possible in 2021 – given this is when they expect a higher level of crowds will be able to attend fixtures.

When will supporters be allowed to return to the Stadium of Light?

However this will be in a ‘COVID-19 secure way’, meaning that a limited capacity will be enforced.

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There is currently no target date for when full capacities will be able to attend games.

What are the plans for the 2020/21 transfer window?

The EFL confirmed last week that the transfer window would open on July 27, before closing at 11pm on October 5.

However, for deals between Premier League and EFL clubs, there will be a two-week extension to the window – meaning such transactions can be completed up until 5pm on October 16.

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