Joey Barton fires a warning as Portsmouth make a pledge: What Sunderland's promotion rivals are saying as 2020/21 approaches

And that includes a number of Sunderland’s potential promotion rivals, who are already putting their plans in place ahead of the 2020/21 campaign – even though a firm start date is yet to be set.

Here’s what some of the sides set to be battling alongside the Black Cats at the upper reaches of the table have been saying:

Joey Barton fires a promotion warning

Ever a fan of brash statements, Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton has fired an early warning to the rest of League One – claiming his side will be back stronger next season.

“We’ll be back stronger, that’s the key,” he said, in the aftermath of the Cod Army’s 6-3 play-off defeat to Wycombe Wanderers.

“It’s only my second year in management and my first rodeo with these lads in a big game.

“I’ve learnt an enormous amount over the last two games and I’m in this game until somebody stops me.

“We’ll learn and we’ll come back.”

No knee-jerk reactions from Portsmouth

Portsmouth also exited the play-offs on Monday evening, with manager Kenny Jackett coming in for some criticism after failing to guide the south coast side to promotion.

But chief executive Mark Catlin says now is the time for ‘calm heads and sane decisions’ – and says no major decisions will be made in the heat of the moment.

“There’s criticism towards everyone, ranging from the chairman to the board to myself,” he told The News.

“But, as I’ve said before, as a business we like to think of ourselves as sensible, stable and thinking with a calm head.

“We will now have a period of reflection, individually and as a group, and make the correct decisions in the best interests of the football club.

“The one thing I don’t think anyone can accuse us of is taking knee-jerk reactions. We are a club which prides itself on being built on stability and strong foundations.

“We are not about to go ripping that up based on missing a penalty last night and the obvious hurt and frustration as a result.

“We are in for a period next season which is arguably the most turbulent in the history of football.

“The one thing that is required during this period are calm heads and sane decisions.”

Peterborough back in training – somewhat…

Peterborough United, meanwhile, are back in training.

A clutch of the club’s youngsters have returned to the grass this week under the tutelage of manager Darren Ferguson – who was delighted to be back.

“It’s great to be back on the grass again,” he said.

“When the decision to stop playing in League One was finally confirmed it hit me badly. It was a feeling similar to when we were relegated at Crystal Palace on the last day of the 2012-13 season.

“But it’s gone now and we will use the disappointment as motivation for next season.”