Sunderland could lose key ally in bid to resume season as League One curtailment grows ever more likely

Gillingham boss Steve Evans admits that his chairman Paul Scally may not vote for a League One resumption.
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Evans has been a vocal supporter of fulfilling the fixture list but admits Scally has concerns over costs.

The Scot has also criticised the EFL for the continued delays over a decision, saying that the return of loan players to their parent clubs and the likelihood of a resumption now having to take place in July means it is difficult to see how the games could be played.

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Clubs are set to vote on a series of proposals next week, but it is likely that the EFL’s plans to settle tables on a points-per-game formula and have a four-team play-off will win.

Gillingham boss Steve EvansGillingham boss Steve Evans
Gillingham boss Steve Evans

It would require just 12 League One clubs to then curtail the season.

“It’s just getting harder and harder,” Evans told Kent Online.

“I have made it very clear to our chairman that I want to play. We need some clear leadership from the Football League. It should be implemented by now. We should know what we are doing.

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“The one thing we know is that you are never going to please everyone in League 1 whatever you do.”

I have always said I want to play football, my chairman is probably leaning towards a different view now because of costs.

“The people above me have always done the finance, my job is to build the team, and win football matches. I would love an opportunity and a crack at the last nine games, if I had my players available. If that is not to be the case I respect the decision, if it is to play on then let’s get back on the training ground and get ready. Don’t keep putting it off.

“I look at Wycombe and they would be in the play offs but their loan player from Millwall [Jason McCarthy] has gone back because they can’t afford to keep him. Our loan players have gone back,” he added.

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“I think it would be best if Gills aren’t on tv if it’s Evans and Raynor upfront. It is getting harder with the integrity issue. This is from a manager who wants to seen through and finished.

“Championship clubs had two and a half weeks to get ready. We would be inJuly before we start. That doesn’t sit with me. I just want a decision either way.”

Blackpool CEO Ben Mansford, whose clubs will likely have a key vote, has stated that he expects clubs to vote to curtail.

Sunderland’s only hopes of a resumption look set to be a proposal put forward by Tranmere Rovers.

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They are proposing implementing PPG but with a margin of error, essentially meaning only two clubs are relegated from League One and the play-off campaign is extended.

Portsmouth, who will earn a play-off place if the table is settled on PPG, have already said that they will not support it.

The proposal would require the support of a majority of clubs from across the three EFL divisions, as well as within the Championship itself.