Conference win in League expansion?
Today's Non-League Paper reports that a restructured Division Three could mean league status for up to sixteen Conference clubs.
Since the collapse of the ITV Digital TV deal, the Football League are considering refinancing and restructuring options in the league and one of the plans is for a four division, twenty team competition with eight teams promoted from the Conference. The second involves a regionalised 40-team Third Division with the Conference supplying sixteen clubs.
Lincoln City have been hit by financial problems and even went into administration for a while over the summer. Their outspoken chairman Rob Bradley said: "There must be an overhaul of the League structure and regionalisation should now be higher on the agenda than ever before. The League board and chairmen have already discussed it and it is certainly a live option judging from discussions I've been involved with.
"In the Third Division, I'd say 75% of chairmen are in favour. Regionalising will mean extra money for derby games and a reduction in travelling costs - it's just a good idea and we need to implement it."
Before his resignation, League chairman Keith Harris was ready to implement the system for the 2003/04 season. However, he needed the support of First Division clubs, who hold most voting weight - and they remain split.
Conference chief executive John Moules could see his members disappear overnight in the plan is implemented, but he said: "We've had no formal discussions, but as I've said, the Conference is here and ready to help out, but my main aim is to look after the best interests of my member clubs."