From ‘diabolical’ to ‘deserved’: How League One clubs reacted to the decision that ended Sunderland’s promotion hopes
By Mark Donnelly
Published 10th Jun 2020, 12:30 BST
Updated 10th Jun 2020, 12:42 BST
League One clubs yesterday voted to curtail the 2019/20 season, subsequently ending Sunderland’s faint promotion hopes - but how did rival sides react to the verdict?
With a convincing majority having voted for the season to be ended, many owners and managers were pleased with the outcome.
But as ever, there was an unhappy majority - who were quick to hit out at the EFL and, indeed, fellow third tier sides.
Scroll down to see how some League One clubs reacted to the decision:
Scroll down to see how some League One clubs reacted to the decision:
9. Lincoln City
While initially in favour of finishing, Lincoln voted against continuing the season - citing financial concerns. Chairman Clive Nates wrote to supporters, saying: “Many of our fellow clubs are already on the edge of financial existence. Forcing them to play on could be a fundamental factor in pushing one or more of these clubs over the edge, putting our whole football pyramid in jeopardy. “ Photo: Laurence Griffiths
Denied a place in the play-offs by the vote, Posh director of football Barry Fry called the decision a ‘disgrace’. He told the Peterborough Telegraph: “The EFL have been a disgrace throughout this process.Just last week they arranged for four clubs they knew were going to be in the play-offs to be tested for coronavirus. They did this before today’s vote and those clubs had returned to training before today’s vote. How on earth can that be right? What on earth was the point of today’s vote when the EFL knew what the result would be?” Photo: Michael Regan
Despite reports to the contrary, Portsmouth insist they remained committed to finishing the season on the pitch - meaning their place in the play-offs is tinged with ‘disappointment’. CEO Mark Catlin said: “There is a slight feeling of disappointment because we were committed to finishing the season on the pitch. But the vote has happened and that’s done and dusted now, so we look forward to an exciting play-off against Oxford.” Photo: Dan Istitene
Promoted in second place, the Millers were pleased with the EFL call. Chairman Tony Stewart said: “The Football League – and credit due to them, it was not easy and they could not satisfy everybody – have paid care and attention to let everybody have their points of view scrutinised. It has been democratic and a long time coming, but sometimes the best deals take a bit longer.” Photo: George Wood