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Relegation and promotion should be decided on the pitch says Gillingham boss Steve Evans as clubs decide whether to play on or end the season now

Gillingham boss Steve Evans is adamant the season must go on.

Clubs are being asked to vote on whether to end the season now or resume where they left off in early March.

Gillingham manager Steve Evans wants the season to resume Picture: Ady Kerry
Gillingham manager Steve Evans wants the season to resume Picture: Ady Kerry

A decision might not be immediate, however. It's now understood clubs will have until Tuesday 5pm to discuss the issue, before then voting on it.

Evans feels the only way to settle issues such as promotion and relegation should be done on the pitch and his simple message is, “let’s play football.”

The League 1 season was suspended because of the coronavirus. Gillingham are currency sitting 11th but could still make the end of season play-offs.

The Football League have said play-offs will be played it possible but the Gills would have to make it into the top six. The EFL have ruled out extending it for teams between third and 10th to battle it out in a mini tournament, should the season end now.

A statement from the EFL released on Thursday, following their board meeting the day before, has given a framework of how to end the season if clubs want to stop now.

Clubs are being asked a simple question. Do you want to carry on or stop now? A 51% majority will be needed. The EFL are in favour of resuming play.

Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry told the Peterborough Telegraph it would take a miracle to get the 12 votes needed to carry on.

Stopping now will mean positions are decided on points per game average and that’s not something Evans is keen on. He has always maintained the season should be concluded by playing football.

Following the EFL statement, a bullish Evans said: “At long last we have clarity in what we are doing.

"The return to football action allows the League 1 promotions and relegations to be decided on the pitch, and by playing football you earn what you get."

“I trust all clubs in League 1 will vote to get playing football in the next few weeks.

“There is also a clear path...there are no more excuses.

"We should never forget we are in the football business, so let’s get going. We have waited for the clarity and leadership; Rick Parry and the EFL Board have now demonstrated this."

Read more on the Gills

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