The key dates for Sunderland AFC fans to note as the EFL look to return to action

We take a look at the milestones the league are currently targeting in a bid to bring League One action back to the Stadium of Light:

May 7

This is the next date at which the UK lockdown rules will be reviewed by the government.

While there is no sign of them easing restrictions at this moment in time, May 7 would be the logical next opportunity to do so.

In a footballing sense, this is also the date that the National League are expected to deliver their verdict on how to conclude the 2019/20 season. Current options under consideration include deciding the season on a points-per-game or trying to complete the league play-offs when it is safe to do so in order to determine promotion and relegation.

While this would not have a direct impact on Sunderland, it could set a precedent for the EFL to follow should finishing the season not prove possible.

May 16

Under the EFL’s current plans, this is the earliest date that clubs have been advised to return to training.

While a number of Premier League clubs - most notably Arsenal - have begun to allow players back into their training grounds, clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two have been advised against that until mid-May.

Some clubs are considering a staggered return to training once it is safe to do so, with only small groups attending at any one time.

June 6

Based on a return to training date of May 16, many have concluded that June 6 is the date the EFL are currently working towards for the season to resume.

Of course, much will depend on how government advice changes in the coming weeks.

It has already been confirmed that when the 2019/20 season is resumed, all fixtures will be played behind closed doors - with talks underway to ensure all fixtures can be broadcast.

June 30

A key date, regardless of if football has returned by this point, given that a large number of EFL contracts and loan agreements will be expiring.

At Sunderland, a dozen players will see their deals cease - and a host of other League One clubs are set to face similar situations.

There is a belief that this issue can be overcome, and FIFA have already issued guidelines to aid this, but it could yet prove to be a complex legal issue.

July 31

For many, this is seen by the deadline by which the season must be completed.

But no concrete timeframe has been set by the EFL - who remain committed to completing the season whenever possible.

October 1

This is currently the earliest date that the EFL are considering allowing supporters back into stadiums.

However, this could be pushed back further dependent on government advice - with many already planning for the fact that spectators may be absent until 2021.