LONDON (AFP) - English Football League chairman Rick Parry says the British government's decision to allow fans back into grounds is a "lifeline" for lower-league clubs who have struggled to survive during the coronavirus pandemic. "At League One and League Two level (third and fourth tiers) it could be very significant," he said. "It's not just the money, it's a very welcome return to an atmosphere, and if we get 4,000 at League Two level it would be very welcome. Colchester chairman Robbie Cowling, whose side play in League Two, said it was vital that fans felt safe when they returned. Premier League chiefs welcomed Monday's announcement but made it clear that only a return to bigger crowds would ease the sport's financial problems.

Source: BBC November 24, 2020 12:00 UTC