Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough feels football is one step nearer to normality after EFL records no positive COVID tests for the first time during latest round of testing.

It follows news that the EFL recorded no positive COVID tests for the first time during their latest round of testing.

The programme saw 5,524 players and staff from the 72 clubs tested.

“It is good news for everyone in the EFL,” said Clough. “It shows how seriously clubs, staff and players have taken the situation and how serious we have been about sticking to the protocols.

“It will be a great achievement to get the season finished on time. It has led to a busy and condensed fixture schedule, especially when you have games called off in January.

“We've played nearly a third of the season in a month and a half.

“We now have to try and get everyone vaccinated with their first vaccine before we come back for pre-season, that is the next stage.

“We are one step nearer to a positive 7th August when the new season starts. We would like to see crowds, some percentage at least, back in the stadium.”

Clough also admits he can’t wait for a relaxation of regulations to allow players to socialise properly once again.

“We can’t wait to be able to eat together again, or not having to take two buses to away games,” he said.

“It will be nice for the players to be together again. We have had to make chances, but nothing that we can’t reverse. I don’t think anything needs to become permanent.

“We have managed to get to know each other quickly, but socialising does speed up the process.”