Portadown’s Matthew Tipton views reduced fixtures one option for ‘natural’ finish

The Coronavirus health crisis led to the suspension last Friday by the Irish Football Association of play until April 4, with uncertainty over a return date. Conference calls planned for tonight are designed to discuss the next step.

Portadown sit top of the Bluefin Sport Championship and in control for a return to senior football, following a 2017 relegation, thanks to a four-point gap after 31 games of 38.

Tipton feels one option could be to complete the remaining two pre-split games.

“It’s not just about Portadown sitting top, it’s about a natural conclusion once we all hit 33 games,” said Tipton. “It’s just my opinion but that would allow us to potentially complete the two remaining league games from April 4 but still fit in the Irish Cup semi-finals and final, promotion and relegation play-offs and sort out the European places.

“The timeframe would bring everything to a normal stopping point, allowing clubs to have the usual pre-season or, potentially, summer European qualifying games then start the next season on time.

“Also, members of our squad are on 38-week deals, so a May finish would prevent issues over players’ contracts beyond that point.

“However, it is just one viewpoint and obviously at this stage no-one can tell what is going to happen.”