THE Premier League is set to return behind closed doors on June 17 - one week later than initially planned.

Martin Semmens, Saints’ chief executive, and Toby Steele, the club’s managing director, are representing the St Mary’s side on Thursday’s video call.

And it’s now been decided that football will resume on June 17, with the hope being that the 2019/20 season will be completed on August 1.

All 92 fixtures will be screened live by existing broadcasters Sky, the BBC, BT Sport and Amazon Prime.

Traditional kick-off times have also changed.

Games on a Friday evening will start at 8pm; Saturday will see fixtures begin at 12:30pm, 3pm, 5.30pm and 7pm; Sunday’s games will kick off at either 12pm, 2pm, 4.30pm and 7pm.

Midweek matches will be scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at either 6pm or 8pm.

The first games due to be played are Aston Villa v Sheffield United and Manchester City.

Once those matches have completed, all the teams would have played 29 fixtures, meaning every side will then be in action from June 19 to June 21.

Top-flight clubs voted in favour of contact training on Wednesday and now have just three more weeks to get themselves ready to return to match action.

Saints haven’t played since their home defeat to Newcastle at the beginning of March, as their trip to Norwich was called off due to the coronavirus crisis.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "Today we have provisionally agreed to resume the Premier League on Wednesday 17 June.

"But this date cannot be confirmed until we have met all the safety requirements needed, as the health and welfare of all participants and supporters is our priority.

"Sadly, matches will have to take place without fans in stadiums, so we are pleased to have come up with a positive solution for supporters to be able to watch all the remaining 92 matches. 

"The Premier League and our clubs are proud to have incredibly passionate and loyal supporters. It is important to ensure as many people as possible can watch the matches at home.

"We will continue to work step-by-step and in consultation with all our stakeholders as we move towards resuming the 2019/20 season."