Millwall chief praises Leeds United's response to coronavirus suspension

Leeds United's Stuart Dallas in action against Millwall. (Image: Bruce Rollinson)

Millwall chief executive Steve Kavanagh has praised Leeds United’s response to the coronavirus suspension.

The English Football League has seen all fixtures postponed across the divisions until April 30 at the earliest following the health crisis that is sweeping the globe.

Leeds sit top of the Championship with just nine games remaining as Marcelo Bielsa’s side look to end a 16-year drought without Premier League football.

Whites managing director Angus Kinnear has pushed for the season to be concluded no matter how long it takes with public health the club’s primary concern.

A number of reports had suggested that one option was for the top two in the Championship to be automatically promoted to the top flight with no relegation taking place across the leagues in England.

Although unlikely, Leeds have remained staunch in their stance of focusing on the integrity of the competition.

UEFA announced this week that Euro 2020 was to be postponed until next year in order to prioritise a conclusion across Europe’s domestic leagues.

The Football Association has also now committed to concluding the campaign on the pitch with the current season on hold indefinitely.

As a result, domestic games could now be played well into the forthcoming summer.

Lions chief Kavanagh, though, admits he has been impressed by United’s handling of the situation which has emerged in difficult circumstances.

“The EFL are in constant communication, they’re sending out notes almost daily,” Kavanagh said.

“There’s communication with board directors and clubs are talking.

“You saw Luton Town and Leeds United come out to say how important it was to finish the season, which I thought was a fantastic message from the two teams who could have self interest.

“They have sent out a strong message that this is not about self-interest, let’s not speculate, let’s get to a position where we can make clear, good decisions that can allow us to move forward.

“We’ve got to remain positive and hopefully we can get going as soon as we can.”