LATICS captain David Wheater believes playing games without fans will affect competitiveness on the pitch.

The EFL are reportedly preparing for a return to competitive football on June 6, subject to government approval, with games initially behind closed doors because of the ongoing ban on large gatherings.

Clubs are currently working towards a return to training on May 16, after which there will be a three-week ‘pre-season’ to allow players to build-up their fitness and get used to playing in stadia without supporters.

“I think it will be strange. It’ll be like training,” said Wheater.

“It’s what we play for, the fans, to it will be tough to get up for the games we’re involved in.

“Normally if you do something good you get a cheer or if you do something bad you’ll get booed and that’s what spurs you on but you’d like to think the head of the FA and EFL will be getting advice from the experts as well, so it must be the best thing for us to do.

“When you train with no fans there’s no pressure on you. But in a game you go out there to win and put on your best performance. With no fans maybe it’ll give it a friendly feel where you go out there and don’t want to get injured at the start of a season, don’t go in for tackles.”