Mid-May return for players 'optimistic' – Shrewsbury Town CEO Brian Caldwell

The leaked document, addressed to chairmen, executives and secretaries of all EFL clubs, sets out a plan to complete the current season in eight weeks – Salop have 10 games remaining of the League One campaign. The letter also outlines the governing body are working under the ‘assumption’ that all of the remaining games will be played behind closed doors – while adding that all clubs must not train together with their players until at least May 16.

Although Shrewsbury’s chief executive Brian Caldwell is eager to see the season completed, he believes the timeline proposed by the EFL is ‘optimistic’ – while adding that the club will not put their players at risk by allowing them to return too early.

“Nobody really knows when anything is going to happen,” he said.

“Having been in a conference call with all League One clubs and Rick Parry, he made it quite clear that is quite optimistic and best case scenario for players returning in mid-May and then playing the games over the June and July period.

“I think it’s really optimistic for how things could shape up.

“Nobody wants to play behind closed doors, but an important aspect also is to ensure that the season is completed in full and there’s not the knock-on effect of the broadcasters and commercial partners trying to come back and claim money off the EFL – having a further financial impact on clubs.

“Realistically, do I think games will be played over that period? I’m not convinced.

“By all accounts the NHS and government are saying that the peak in London might be in the next 10 days, but the rest of the country is likely to be in the beginning of May.

“To bring players back on those timescales in the middle of May is optimistic.

“If the peak was at the beginning of May then I wouldn’t be keen on our players coming back around that time, when the virus is still so prevalent.

“As a football club we wouldn’t want our players taking any risks at a time when it’s so important that everybody is staying safe.”

Meanwhile, the letter from Parry also confirmed that the £125m advance in funds coming from the Premier League will be ‘put on hold’ while the governing body seeks more clarity with clubs – highlighting the need to look at the issue of player wages.