National League Suspended

[wilkie]

I was hoping by now that our manager would have written a few notes for us, I heard that there was a bit in the non league paper,

[babylon]

I agree it will come down to finances.
A lot of clubs will be struggling for funds
and will have to cut their cloth to suit.
some might go out of business.
Hopefully the Darts will be ok

[Harry]

Some interesting comments from the chairman of Boreham Wood. Personally it seems ridiculous to contemplate playing currently, but the ongoing no decision makes it very difficult for clubs (such as ours) who could be asked to compete in the playoffs at short notice, I think the only realistic option is to have clubs such as Wealdstone given the option of promotion (should they be able to take it) and have no relegation, however I understand that the NL, NLS and NLN hands are tied until the EFL make a decision who in turn are waiting on the premier league.

At our level, I feel helpless and unprotected because we know having no supporters in our stadiums simply equates to no football being played in 2020. Why? Because every owner or Chairman will tell you, if we play behind closed doors at National League level, then bankruptcy is assured for most clubs, so that option cannot happen.
As an example of my sleepless nights and calls for transparency, an important National League administrator, who trust me is a very honest and good guy, somewhat foolishly told me three weeks ago to prepare for the play-offs and then two weeks later flip-flopped and told me that he didn’t feel there would be football at our level in 2020.
As a way of explanation, the “get ready for the play-off” opinion first given, was, of course, wishful thinking on the League administrator’s part, which I stupidly listened to it and in truth it has already cost me over £125k in contract extensions.
The second opinion of “no football in 2020” was I feel far more realistic, and though it tells of dark times ahead, his candour and realism was hugely appreciated by myself. In fact, his honesty helped me to change direction, and perhaps saved the club over £300k on possible contract offers and summer spend

Yet the National League continue with their “non-decision” letters that are nothing more a politician’s dodge and let them get on with the fantasy island conference calls and zoom meetings, as they pretend and try to convince us that we are a big part of the professional game and the wider football family.
I actually see this lockdown, as the perfect time for our League to re-look at the existing promotion and relegation issues, look at the National League/EFL loan structures, look at Non-League agent’s fees, look at how a new League voting system might look and look at how much the EFL clubs take out of the National League and Non-League game in loan fees."

[the futures white]

Now that the EFL has finally decided on the outcome of League 1 & 2's promotion & relegation issues for this season hopefully the National League hierarchy will get off their backsides and make a decision about how the NL, NLS & NLN promotion and relegation issues will be resolved.

[Ozymandias]

As long as they get their top clubs promoted into the EL2 I can't see The National League worrying too much about North and South. Again I think it's a case of us and them. But then with the likes of Havant &W, Kings Lynn, York City, well supported teams looking for promotion one would like to think that the NL would be gagging to get them up there.
With a manager like SK, if the play-offs went ahead we'd definately be in with a shout of promotion and compliment the National League as Kingy has the Midas touch. But I think the longer they drag this out the less likely they will be played.
If the NL are allowed to have their play-offs it would serve the EL right if the likes of Boreham Wood gain promotion, although I must admit Luke Garrard seems to be working miracles there with crowds of 4-500, for me it would be like getting rid of Macclesfield Town and promoting a similar headache. Still.

[Pedro]

Hopefully we will find out what the NL decide today. If they follow EFL then I expect Wealdstone will get the promotion they deserve and the next four will play-off so we just miss out. Ebbsfl££t will avoid relegation by virtue of only three teams dropping down.
Looking forward to the new season and continuing the form since SK took over
COYD

[Llamaman]

The EFL play-offs involve 4 clubs in each division and that's how they will e played out. The National League have 6 play-off places, but when it will be possible to play them, and where, is another matter. Good luck to those who have to sort it all out.

[Ozymandias]

As much as I'd like to think Llamaman is correct in his assumptions it would probably be easier if they did it Pedro's way. But then as said, wouldn't be surprised the longer it goes on the NL will say top two from each division. And if Ebbsfleet is not coming down then a play off between Havant&W Vrs York City is on the car.... Oh Feckit, it's getting more complicated. Or I am should I say.
As Llamaman says, good luck to those who are sorting it.

[Pedro]

Seems like the white smoke from the NL states that because teams cannot guarantee to play the play off games in front of crowds before August that play-offs for NLS and NLN will not go ahead.

[BrianL]

If it's points per game, my calculator suggests that Maidenhead will go ahead of Ebbsfleet by 0.002 of a point, so the Fleet might be going down with Chorley and Fylde. If there are no play-offs, the top two of Wealdstone, Havant, York and King's Lynn going up seems fair enough with a reasonable gap to third in each division. That would make the numbers right in the leagues above ours, assuming two go up from the National and only one down from EFL2.

If so, we might be one team short in South until the leagues below can make up the numbers in the following season of 2021/2, but who knows? Maybe all will be clear very soon.