Exeter City club president and director of external affairs Julian Tagg said it was pleasing to have ‘a degree of immediate certainty’ following today’s EFL meeting, where it was confirmed that the club would be competing in the Sky Bet League Two play-offs.
At the meeting, following a vote by clubs, a decision was taken to end Sky Bet League Two on an unweighted points-per-game basis, with the top three teams going up and play-offs remaining to determine the final promotion spot.
As City are in the play-off places that means we will face a semi-final match before the end of June against Colchester United, which will be played on a home and away basis, but behind closed doors because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Julian said, while the players and coaching staff have already been back in training working towards that goal, it was pleasing that the path for them to finish the 2019/20 season was now firmly established. In a message to supporters, he said: "We are pleased that a decision has been reached as this means, not just Exeter City, but football in general now has, despite the unpredictability of the current Covid-19 pandemic, a degree of certainty on how to plan for the immediate future.
"There were so many diverse positions and opinions from each of the three EFL Leagues; depending on finance, league positions and a number of other factors. So, while there has been significant criticism, I think it is only fair to say that the EFL, and the clubs within it, have reached this decision under difficult and frustrating circumstances.
"At Exeter City, despite this immediate certainty only just being confirmed, the team, and the team behind the team, have already been working towards preparation for yet another play-off battle, albeit under very different circumstances to those in 2017 and 2018.
"Matt Taylor, his team and the players are working very hard towards what we hope will be a rewarding end to this season. As a supporter-owned club we are of course very disappointed that our matches in the Sky Bet League Two play-offs will be behind closed doors.
“You the fans, as shown by your recent season ticket refund donations which topped over £16,000, are the lifeblood of this club and it is of course with great sadness to all of us that you won’t be there to witness what will be the most important games of our season so far.
“However, I am told a scheme is under way for fans to have cardboard cut outs of themselves placed in the Stagecoach Adam Stansfield Stand for the home leg and I know you will all be there in spirit cheering on the players when they take to the field. We of course very much look forward to the day we can welcome you all back to St James Park but until then keep safe.”
All the best
Julian Tagg