Hatters to get the chance to fight for survival after Championship advise EFL of their desire to finish season

Luton expect to complete final nine games of the 2019-20 campaign
James Collins back in training for the Hatters this weekJames Collins back in training for the Hatters this week
James Collins back in training for the Hatters this week

Luton are expected to play their remaining nine fixtures of the season after the EFL confirmed the Championship's desire to finish the 2019-20 campaign.

The Hatters, who reappointed Nathan Jones as manager yesterday, have been out of action since March 7 after the season was postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Town still have trips to Swansea, Leeds, Huddersfield and Hull, plus home games with Preston, Reading, Barnsley, QPR and Blackburn left as they fight to avoid relegation back to League One.

Yesterday saw the Premier League announce they will resume on June 17, while after the EFL revealed last week that promotions and relegations will still take place, it now appears Town will get the chance to try and stay up through their efforts on the pitch.

A statement from the EFL said: "At its meeting on Wednesday 27 May 2020, having carefully considered submissions from Clubs, the EFL Board agreed to progress with the proposed framework it outlined on Thursday 21 May 2020 in respect of changes to EFL Regulations in the event Season 2019/20 is curtailed in any EFL Division.

"At the same time as advising on its proposed approach last week, the Board had asked Clubs to give it appropriate consideration and provide any feedback.

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"Communications were submitted from Clubs across all divisions and those proposals, some of which have been made available publicly, suggested how the framework in the event the season is ended prematurely could alternatively work.

"The Board has to date been consistent in its approach that playing out the remainder of Season 2019/20 when it is safe to do so, is the preferred position and whilst the Championship have advised of their intentions to resume fixtures, League Two Clubs have indicated their preference to curtail the season.

"At present Clubs in League One are still undecided.

"A decision on whether or not to curtail the season is a matter to be considered by Clubs in any affected division, but only once a framework for resolving open issues in such circumstances has been agreed by all members across all divisions through a Regulation change.

"After a full and comprehensive review of the Club submissions, alongside consideration of views stated at the Club meetings of 13 and 15 May 2020, the Board unanimously agreed to continue with the original approach and is now proposing to call a meeting of Clubs on Monday 8 June 2020 to consider and, if thought fit, approve the proposals to introduce the Regulation change.

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"The EFL Articles allow Member Clubs the opportunity to propose amendments to Regulations and should any Club wish to propose an alternative, it must do so by submitting such a proposal by no later than 2.00pm on Tuesday 2 June 2020.

"The EFL will issue any notice of meeting later that day. Any such Club proposals will be considered at the same meeting as the Board’s proposal."

Town's players returned to training on Monday with strict social distancing guidelines and a view to the season restarting, with chief executive Gary Sweet adding: "We’ve had a good full week of training back at the Brache as a first phase return to training protocol has been successful.

"The lads have been excellent and professional, enthusiastic about their return.

"We have had no positive cases on the two tests we’ve done so far, the league generally other than a couple haven’t had any, which is fantastic news."

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