Peterborough United co-owner believes an extended play-offs idea is gaining traction with League One club owners, but he’s worried the 2020-21 season could fall by the wayside if the 2019-20 season is curtailed

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony suggested last week that a way out of the current impasse regarding how to finish the 2019-20 season was to have the third promotion place decided by an eight-team tournament. There have also been suggestion second-placed Rotherham United should also be involved given they are currently just three points clear of eighth-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

Thompson took to social media last night (May 18) to claim clubs shutting up shop for the rest of this season could impact on the 2020-21 campaign. He believes the EFL and other ruling bodies must make sure those clubs who rely on gate income to survive to be helped financially to avoid a big negative impact on next season.

Thompson said: “Every club has an agenda. Staying alive by shuttering is a real agenda. If the EFL want to solve the issue, we need to hear that agenda & embrace a mechanism that ensures the small clubs live and we all play ASAP. The Premier League and the Government could also help.

“I’m saying if all clubs knew they were financially safe, conversations on when/how to start and finish season/start new season would be easier for all the clubs. The decisions would have been made by now.

“We think we should be playing, but if the EFL wants to create solidarity, they are going to have to give the smaller clubs a reason not to shutter and furlough until July 2021.

“I remember when Simon Jordan mentioned the possibility of no football till the 21/22 sason and I thought how scary that scenario is. In League One, we are there. If teams won’t play behind closed doors now, they wont in September and I understand why when you stay alive with gate money.

“This solution (extended play-offs) is gaining legs with the ‘Top 10’ owners. I can totally understand why after Top 10 you don’t actually care. A play-off like this is way more fair than WPG or PPG.

“It’s an easier straight up formula because what do you weigh, home form, away form, league placing form etc etc?”

The EFL board are due to meet again tomorrow (May 20) with League One clubs expected to vote on how to conclude the 2019-20 season by the end of the week.