COLCHESTER United chairman Robbie Cowling is hoping more details will be provided on when next season might start at a League Two meeting this week.

The U's along with the rest of the member clubs will meet with the EFL in an attempt to come up with a start date for the 2020-21 campaign.

The number of supporters who will be allowed into grounds once games begin will also be discussed, as clubs attempt to get back to action following the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement on the U's website, Cowling said: "I have a League Two meeting this week and hopefully more details will be provided about when we plan to start again at that meeting.

"Once we know anything significant, we will let you know."

Cowling says Colchester are 'desperate' to start next season, in order to bring some much-needed income into the JobServe Community Stadium.

The U's owner and chairman says that the ground's 10,000 capacity is likely to be restricted, with match-day costs for the club set to increase.

"With restrictions being eased, it’s not just an end to the 2019/20 season but the end of the first stage of the pandemic," said Cowling.

"We have worked some miracles to get through that stage and I’m grateful for the support I have received, but I have to admit that without the assistance of the furlough scheme we would have been in deep trouble.

"I dare say the same is true for most other clubs. Especially those of us in Leagues One and Two who rely financially on our attendances.

"The oncoming train we face is the end of furlough payments. Therefore, we’re desperate to get next season started so we can get some income but extremely nervous how that will work out financially.

"Hopefully, we can get back to playing in front of you soon but it won’t be simple, capacity is likely to be restricted and match-day costs for the club are probably going to go up.

"Plus we will have to be ready to go into lockdown again if we are hit by another wave of the virus. There are certainly some challenging times ahead."

Meanwhile, Cowling says he was 'probably the most miserable chairman on the planet' after Colchester's heartbreaking play-off semi-final defeat at Exeter City.

The U's were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by the Grecians last week, dashing their hopes of promotion back to League One.

"Sadly our season came to its conclusion last Monday and for a while, I was probably the most miserable Chairman on the planet," added Cowling.

"However, feeling down and sorry for myself is not going to change the result, nor will it resolve the numerous issues that require me to be at my best.

"So we go again and weighing up this extraordinary season, I’m extremely proud of everyone associated with Colchester United."

Cowling also thanked the EFL and its chairman Rick Parry for the help they have provided during the Covid-19 crisis, along with the EFL board's League Two representative, John Nixon.