Morecambe manager is hopeful that some supporters will be able to watch matches next season

Last Friday saw the announcement that the government was working on getting fans back into stadiums by October, subject to successful trial events.

An October return for fans would indicate that the new season will initially be played behind closed doors.

Start dates of August 29 or September 12 have previously been mooted with a decision on that reportedly due at the end of this week.

Premier League and Championship matches, as well as play-off games in Leagues One and Two, have been played without fans, making for an eerie atmosphere.

Morecambe’s fans haven’t seen a match at the Globe Arena since February’s draw with Crewe Alexandra and Adams hopes to see some back soon – even if it is a reduced number.

“Our hope is that we can get a percentage of the ground capacity into the stadium,” Adams said.

“That would be hugely beneficial to us, depending on the percentage of supporters allowed in.

“It would really help us, not just from a monetary point of view but also in terms of generating an atmosphere.”

Another off-field development has seen the confirmation of the new EFL summer transfer window dates.

Subject to FIFA approval, the window – which was affected by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequently rescheduled fixtures – will open on July 27 and close for international registrations on October 5.

However, after consultation with the Premier League, the EFL also announced that domestic moves can still be made until October 16.

Adams has previously said he wants to bring in eight new players, including permanent and loan deals, to establish a 22-man squad.

With more than 1,000 players set to be out of contract this summer, it means clubs have plenty of choice when it comes to new signings.

The pandemic, and the subsequent need for clubs to cut their financial cloth accordingly, also indicates that clubs arguably hold sway over out-of-contract players for the first time since 1995’s landmark Bosman ruling.

Adams said: “I’ve been speaking to agents and, as you can imagine, players are holding off (agreeing deals) because they’re hoping they can get better deals from us or another club.

“You can only pay what you can afford though and that’s what I’ve always had to do throughout my managerial career.”