Coronavirus will not influence competitiveness in League One

The financial impact on EFL clubs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world is not expected to spread the field apart when it comes to League One next season according to Andrew Cullen.

With squads set to shrink as clubs tighten their wage bills, it looks set to be a difficult summer for players out of contract as they seek pastures new for the 2020/21 season.

But rather than creating a gulf between the bigger spenders and those who aren't able to splash as much cash building their squads for next term, Mr Cullen says he believes the division may in fact be tighter.

"The EFL has always been very competitive, throughout the three divisions" he said. "The Championship is always very competitive, anyone can beat anyone, and you can see that in League One as well.

"You may have backed Sunderland in their second season, Ipswich too but they have found it tough. It shows how competitive the league is, and they will all suffer too next season.

"And even if we get fans back and they are socially distanced, it will affect your capacity. That may produce a bit of levelling off. But I think you'll see much smaller squads, injuries will play a bigger part.

"There is talk of a salary cap as well to keep the EFL competitive, unlike in the Premier League, where you can pretty much put your money on the clubs who will be competing."