THE English Football League (EFL) believes the season can be wrapped up within eight weeks of its restart.

A letter to clubs from chairman Rick Parry advised that no training should start until May 16 at the earliest.

It is also expected that when games return, they will be behind closed doors.

"How and when we return (including training) is clearly subject to change and any decisions will be taken in conjunction with the government and relevant health authorities," the letter said.

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"It is our working assumption at this stage that matches will be played behind closed doors when we eventually return and as part of our contingency planning we are absolutely mindful of the need to try and mitigate the cost of this to clubs as best we can."

The EFL agreed last week to delay restarting the season until it was safe to do so.

But while it is clear it will now be extended from the original dates, they remain hopeful the 2019/20 campaign will be concluded within the summer months.

Given the clubs will need time to get back up to speed, a return to training in mid-May at the earliest would likely mean competitive games could not start until June.

At this stage the intention is to continue with two-legged play-off semi-finals.

Parry also suggested clubs should consider giving players annual leave now, as there may not be time between the end of the 2019/20 season and the start of 2020/21.