League One and League Two look set to try to start next season in October, following the latest round of discussions.
Divisional meetings of clubs in the SPFL’s bottom two leagues took place yesterday.
When the 2020-21 campaign will start and how long it will be are understood to have been two of the key topics discussed.
The Scottish Premiership is aiming towards an August 1 start for next term, initially behind closed doors.
Championship clubs have agreed to begin the new campaign on October 17 with the fixture list reduced from the usual 36 matches to 27 fixtures.
It’s now believed clubs in League One and Two would like to follow the same path as the second tier with a 27-game campaign.
It is hoped come October clubs will be allowed to let supporters into stadiums while also allowing for social distancing measures, which could mean clubs are limited to one quarter or one fifth their stadium capacity, which for almost every team in League One and Two should allow them to accommodate their normal average attendance.
The possibility of trying to begin in August with a 36-game card or in December with an 18-match season had also been mentioned for Leagues One and Two.
However, October and 27 games appears to be the favoured option, with clubs asked to submit their preferred choice to the SPFL by the end of the week.
If a restart plan for next season can be agreed it would allow sides to begin assembling squads and planning for a return to training as well as drawing up plans for season ticket and hospitality packages for fans if they are going to be allowed into grounds.
Clubs are also exploring how to meet the Covid-19 testing demands required to restart.
Currently players and staff need to be tested twice a week, with clubs investigating sharing testing machines to reduce the cost.