'It's very difficult': League One bosses call for clarity as Sunderland and their rivals prepare for uncomfortable conversations

Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton is the latest figure to call from clarity for the EFL – having explained the ‘very difficult’ situation he finds himself in.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

All League One fixtures have been suspended since March 13 and the third tier is widely expected to be ended this week.

But clubs remain in the dark over the next steps, which has placed them in a difficult predicament – particularly when it comes to renewing contracts ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Over 200 players are out of contract in League One this summer, and Appleton has revealed how a lack of clarity from the EFL leaves clubs in a tricky position as they prepare for some uncomfortable conversations.

Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson sees a dozen players out of contract this summerSunderland manager Phil Parkinson sees a dozen players out of contract this summer
Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson sees a dozen players out of contract this summer

"It's very difficult,” he said, speaking to Lincolnshire Live.

"I think you've got to prepare for the worst, the best and something in between.

"In terms of contracts it's very difficult. I know they've extended the timeline in terms of telling a player whether their contract will be renewed or not.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I think you've now got until the 23rd of June to tell a player, whose contract is up on the 30th, whether you'll be renewing his contract.

"Realistically, is that fair on any player if it's not going to be the decision that he wants - to tell him seven days before his contract ends that he's no longer got a contract?"

"We're all second guessing at the moment” he continued.

"Until we get a little bit of clarity on when the season could potentially restart or not - then it's pointless going in and training for the sake of it.”

The contract situation is particularly prevalent at the Academy of Light, with manager Phil Parkinson seeing the contracts of a dozen first-team players expire this summer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

New chief executive Jim Rodwell did confirm that plans are in place in terms of contract renewals – but much will depend on the fate of the season.

“A plan for League One and a plan for the Championship, and it really is as simple as that,” he said.

“We’re just refining things at the moment in terms of what playing budgets might look like.”