THE EFL have published their recommended framework for concluding the season, with relegation being retained.

That means Southend United will be back in League Two next term. 

But the process looks set to rumble on for a while longer, as it is only a draft proposal which needs to be considered by clubs.

A formal proposal will then follow from the EFL Board, which will then be put to a vote.

They say playing the remaining games “remains the most appropriate course of action from a sporting integrity perspective”.

But there is also an acknowledgement circumstances surrounding the coronavirus suspension will lead to a curtailment, which was voted for by League Two clubs.

If clubs decide to cut the season short, the process will be as follows

>Final divisional placings should be determined on unweighted points per game (if required).

>Promotion and relegation should be retained.

>Play-offs should be played in all circumstances but should not be extended (beyond four teams).

Getting an agreement in League One has proved impossible so far, but the decision will be made by a simple majority and each division will have its own say.

For the third tier, it would need the backing of 12 clubs.

Rick Parry, the EFL’s chairman, said: “In the event that a divisional decision is made to curtail the 2019/20 season, the EFL Board is recommending that the League adopts the original framework with the amendments as identified, as there is a strong desire to remain as faithful as possible to the regulations and ensure there is consistency in the approach adopted across the EFL in all divisions.

“The board has always acknowledged that a single solution to satisfy all clubs would always be hard to find, but we are at the point now where strong, definitive action is need for the good of the League and its members.”