West Brom promotion plan gathering pace
A proposal that would see Albion and Leeds promoted to the Premier League and the play-offs go ahead as normal is gaining momentum, the Express & Star understands.
The EFL remain locked in talks to find a way to conclude the 2019-20 campaign following the coronavirus outbreak.
But contingency plans are also being discussed, with one idea being that Albion and Leeds – the current top two – are granted automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Preston North End would then contest the play-offs behind closed doors – with the semi-finals likely to be over one leg and staged at neutral venues.
Albion would support any proposal that sees them in the top flight next term.
But the Express & Star understands it’s not the Baggies, or even Leeds, who have pushed forward the idea.
Instead, a number of teams below them in the table believe they would have a better chance of winning promotion next year without Albion or Leeds in the division.
And according to reports, EFL chiefs believe it is fair both clubs go up if the season is brought to an end because they are clear in the automatic promotion spots with nine games remaining.
Meanwhile, chairman Rick Parry has insisted that the EFL remain determined to finish the season.
In a letter to all Football League clubs, Parry confirmed talks are taking place with the government about a return date.
He said: “Whilst there is still no further clarity on a return of EFL matches, the objective remains to play the remaining fixtures for the 2019-20 campaign at the current 71 EFL grounds
