Joe Crann: Sheffield Wednesday have a big call to make on season tickets

With the English Football League saying that training can only begin on May 25th at the earliest, and the government stating that games won’t be able to get underway – even behind-closed-doors – until the start of June, Wednesday simply don’t know the way forward yet.

Taking that into consideration, my understanding is that they’re waiting to find out exactly what’s happening before taking a decision with regards to the supporters who have a season ticket for the remainder of the 2019/20 season, while the 2020/21 season is another issue altogether given that there’s been no indication of when it will start or whether supporters will be allowed in.

Garry Monk’s side have five home games left this season – as well as four away – and indications are that if they were to issue refunds to their multitude of supporters, and including the general loss of matchday income from hospitality, the megastore etc, it would cost the club upwards of around £2,000,000.

That leaves them with a pretty major decision to make, and though a straight refund is likely to be on the table given the fact that fans won’t be able to have access to what they paid for, Wednesday management could look at a few other options that could avoid the financial whirlwind that a +£2m loss might set upon them.

With talk of iFollow potentially having access to games for fans to stream, Wednesday may look to offset the refund by giving fans access to the games online, while there is also the option of giving gifts such as shirts, memorabilia, or just general vouchers for the online store.

For fans who have the means and are looking to offer a helping hand to their club, SWFC may also consider a donation system where fans could choose to donate even a part of their refund to the club’s academy or something of the like.

But while the club waits for clarity, so must the Wednesdayites.