The EFL have today released a statement concerning the conclusion of the 2019/20 season and it certainly makes for interesting reading.

The headline remains that the plan is for the campaign to be played to a natural conclusion but there is a caveat - clubs will have to vote to do so.

And, indeed, if a division sees a majority opt to curtail the campaign - as League Two has already indicated it wants to do so - a sequence of new regulations will come into play.

For Sunderland, the new rules could have a real impact as it states that, even if the season is curtailed, extended play-offs will not take place and only play-offs based on the sides in 3rd to 6th at the time of curtailment will get a chance to go ahead.

At the moment, then, the Black Cats are going to have to do it on the pitch and, with several League One sides likely to vote to end the campaign at this current point, their promotion hopes hang in the balance.

Can you remember which Sunderland manager signed each of these 15 players?

 

The Verdict

It's a tough period but the EFL have set out their stall now and it remains to be seen what comes of the vote.

Each division will have a vote independent of the other leagues but promotion and relegation will still be in force.

Sunderland will hope more games can be played, then, as as things stand they are outside the play-off places.