Ex-Sunderland promotion hero explains why League One postponement is bad news for Phil Parkinson

The EFL and Premier League seasons have been suspended until at least April 30, with that date likely to be extended given the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Sunderland AFC announced last week that it was closing the Academy of Light for the foreseeable future.

That means Phil Parkinson’s side are facing an unprecedented extended break after a run of four games without a win including a 2-0 loss to Bristol Rovers.

The Black Cats also suffered defeat against league leaders Coventry City, alongside draws against Gillingham and Fleetwood Town.

Edwards - who played 56 times for Sunderland between 2007 and 2009 and gained Premier League promotion under Roy Keane - delivered his verdict on the situation and why it could be bad for his former side.

“This will affect a lot of clubs, some in a positive way, some in a negative way,” the 41-year-old exclusively explained to the Echo.

“I think this is a negative for Sunderland in a way. Yeah, we had blips against Bristol Rovers and Gillingham.

“But saying that, you want momentum, and they weren’t getting smashed or anything like that, we’d had a really good run of results after Christmas.

“There was every chance they could have picked that form back up. I think they would’ve gotten stronger.

“Plus, teams are going to be strengthened when football resumes. Players who are now injured could come back fit.

“Teams are going to be getting stronger, they’ll be getting players back who would have otherwise missed four or five games.

“The only thing now is that players won’t have match fitness but other teams will be stronger when the season restarts.”

And the ex-Ipswich and Luton winger believes when football does return, the Black Cats must improve to reach the Championship.

“You want to go to places like Bristol Rovers and get the win, you can’t go from beating teams by three or four to not scoring.

“That’s not promotion standard, you have to make sure you’re full pelt, and make sure you keep that focus.”