League awaits positive news about return of supporters

Speaking at a media briefing on Friday Lawlor said he would hope that there could be a return of spectators to grounds around Easter.

It will all depend on the new restrictions being announced by the NI Executive next week with regards to the pathway out of lockdown.

Lawlor though is hoping there will be positive news for the league and fans alike.

"We miss supporters and we can't wait to get fans back into grounds," he said.

"We'll see what the news is from the Executive.

"Would there be a hope that we could get fans back around Easter, I would sincerely hope so, that we can see light at the end of the tunnel."

The league chairman also revealed that they are planning towards a minimum 33-game season in the Danske Bank Premiership, with the ultimate aim to complete the season in full.

"Ultimately the big question is how many games are we going to play," he said.

"While it is very tight, we still have enough match days to play 38 matches.

"That's what the calendar is and that's our aim.

"There are a number of factors that can influence that one way or another.

"Worst case scenario if some factors did come in to play at the very least it would be a 33-game season.

"Unless total unforeseen circumstances appeared we are quite confident we can remove both a null and void season and a 22-game season off the table."

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