Sunderland fans could be in the Stadium of Light sooner than first thought

Earlier this month the Government announced proposals to get some fans back into stadiums from October depending on successful trials, but there is fresh hope there could be reduced capacities from as early as September in League One and Two as part of a pilot scheme, Shrewsbury Town has revealed.

The Sunderland players are due back training at the Academy of Light on Wednesday, with the new season scheduled to start September 12.

A statement on the Shrewsbury website read: “Although the Prime Minister has stated crowds should be able to return to stadia in October, the EFL are still actively exploring the opportunity with the Government to have a reduced capacity from the start of the season in September as part of a pilot scheme in Leagues One and Two.

“To start the season behind closed doors will have further financial implications on our club and many others, so for League One and League Two club’s especially, the ability to have fans in the grounds from the very beginning would not only help the team on the pitch but would also allow the club to have our beloved fans return, albeit in limited numbers, as well.”

It added: “We are working closely together to make plans for a return of fans to the Montgomery Waters Meadow in the hope that we with other League One and Two Clubs can get the green light to pilot this from the start of the season.”