This is when Sunderland will discover if they will be forced to spend a THIRD season in League One

Stewart, whose side currently sit second in the third tier, has revealed that a decision is set to be made by the EFL by Thursday – giving clubs some much needed clarity on whether fixtures will resume.

Reports last week suggested that the League One season would likely be cancelled given the limited time to complete the campaign, and Stewart admits he would be ‘amazed’ if the fixture programme is finished.

Clubs are likely to be advised on plans this week, with a vote on how to determine the season then following.

"We need a decision, we need to get some direction from the Football League," Stewart told the PA news agency.

"They are our masters. We have been waiting patiently and it will be nice to know where we are at this time.

"I have got doubts, it will be very difficult to restart. I don't see League One and League Two starting.

"I would be amazed. They are talking about mid-June, we are talking about just weeks that we have got to prepare for it.

"I don't think there is the time to get it organised and together. But if instruction comes we have to do what we have to do.

"The EFL are meeting on Wednesday-Thursday, we are led to believe something will come out of that.

"I just think that what we need is to get instructions so we know which way we are going.

"We don't know what the decision is, but what I am told is that Thursday at the latest, maybe Wednesday, but certainly Thursday a decision will be made and we will know where we stand on this season and the start of next season."

And while Stewart admits he is biased – given the lofty position of Rotherham in the third tier table – he believes the current top two should be promoted.

That would see Coventry and the Millers, arguably two of the most consistent sides in League One this term, promoted.

The EFL are keen to settle seasons on sporting merit if fixtures cannot be concluded, with a weighted points-per-game method reportedly the favoured option for clubs.

But Stewart’s method is a far simpler one – and one which he feels would garner support from teams at the foot of the table.

"I am biased because we are in second place," he said.

"By my reckoning we have played 78 per cent of the games, I think the top two should go up, or top three go up but no one gets relegated.

"That would go down well with the clubs at the bottom. Over the number of matches we have played, I think the top two have certainly proved a point."