THE SPFL and SFA are set to ask the Scottish Government to allow the 2020/21 season to be played behind closed doors. The league authorities will ask the Government to consider their 6-8 week plan today.

As reported by Stephen McGowan at The Scottish Daily Mail, the football season is set to be the target start date due to the multi-million pound deal with Sky Sports for the broadcasting rights.

The report claims that the proposal is ‘moveable’ meaning that the Government and Footballing authorities have the power to move the start date, depending on relevant medical advice. The plan is to include a proposed return to training – individual, non-contact and contact before a return to games – behind closed doors.

The phased return of football would begin with the Premiership with Championship, League One and League Two kept for a later date when supporters would be allowed back into stadiums. At this moment, there is no date set for when this is safe to do so.

At this stage, a plan would give clubs a date to begin their preparations for the new season – which would be ideal for budgeting as well as keeping Sky happy by meeting the date for the beginning of the contract.

Neil Lennon had already said that Celtic were aiming for a return to action on June 10, in line with when the ban by the Scottish Government would be lifted. The club are already aiming to get recruiting ahead of the historic season.

The fact Celtic could enter this incredible season with supporters locked out is a tragedy but in these unprecedented times, some indication as to when football returns will be exciting for supporters as they watch the news for hope of a vaccine or potential other options allowing games to be played.