BRAINTREE Town are hoping for a possible return to training next month, as the club begin to plan for another season in National League South.

The Iron look set for another campaign in Step Two, after the 2019-20 season was curtailed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The FA Council has advised that there will be no relegation from the National League South, meaning that Braintree can prepare for another season with that status.

And the club are already planning for the 2020-21 season, which could start in September.

In a message to fans on the club's website, Braintree chairman Lee Harding said: "Discussions are on-going between manager George Borg, players and the club about possible pre-season training arrangements commencing in July, with pre-season friendly matches possible in August.

"A first pre-season friendly match has already been agreed, with the club agreeing to send the first team squad to Needham Market on a date still to be agreed.

"Safety Officer Andy Gill and I are currently reviewing our stadium entry, holding and exit capacities in line with current government social distancing requirements.

"Our initial thinking is that our stadium capacity will be reduced to between 500 and 1,000 spectators."

Braintree have agreed their match day and season tickets pricing for the next campaign, with prices retained at last season's levels and 'early bird' discounts available until Saturday (June 20).

Adult and concession season tickets bought on or before this Saturday allow supporters to sit or stand and receive five games free of charge, while an under-18 season-tickets offers 13 games free.

Braintree have also introduced a new season ticket for their younger supporters.

Under-12s will be provided with entry for £21, a pound a game.

Season ticket prices for next season (purchased by Saturday June 20), are as follows:

Adults - £240 (21 for the price of 16 or just £11.43 a match); concessions - £160 (21 for the price of 16 or just £7.62 a match); under-18s - £40 (21 for the price of 8 or just £1.90 a match); under-12s - £21 (21 for the price of £1 a game).

Braintree have turned to their fans and the business community for survival, with no income until the club can generate funds through the turnstiles and in the clubhouse.

Two of the club's directors are heavily supporting the club financially and providing key sponsorship and will continue to do so but are also donating the shirt sponsorship as a major raffle prize.

Their plan is to find 20-30 businesses to contribute net £1,000 each - the first out of the hat will be the main club sponsor, with runner-up being the secondary sponsor.

Each entry will receive one perimeter advertising board, valued at £1,000+ VAT, with entrants receiving plenty of other recognition and hospitality packages.

Businesses or individuals can enter and, if preferred, payments can be made by monthly instalments.

Contact club director Jerry Carter for more information on sales@braintreetownfc.org.uk or info@braintreetownfc.org.uk.