.png)
Conference aims for Board place
Nationwide Conference chief executive John Moules says the league has 'earned the right' to be part of any proposals for a Professional Game Board that may be established involving the Premier and Football Leagues.
Premiership officials are still in negotiation with the Football Association over a governing board in England, which would end the FA's complete power over the game and forced Adam Crozier's resignations.
"We feel the Conference should be part of any Game Board that is established in light of the great strides that have been gained in recent years," said Moules. "All 22 clubs now have full-time administration, and full-time commerical serives. Ground development has been undertaken at a number of clubs and ten clubs are now full-time in terms of playing staff."
"Seventy per cent of players are also on full-time contracts, which speaks volumes, as five or six years ago this figure was considerably less.
"The Conference has earned the right to be included in the proposals, after what has been a staggering transformation in professional infrastructure of all our clubs nationwide."
Meanwhile, the FA Trophy final will be played at Villa Park. The game, proposed for Saturday, 18th May 2003, was won by Yeovil Town last year.
Villa chairman Doug Ellis told the club's official website: "I am delighted that, once again, Villa Park has been selected as the venue for this most prestigious tournament.
"The FA Trophy is the flagship knockout tournament for non-league clubs and is always a memorable competition for those involved throughout the season.
"It is a tremendous honour for us to be staging the final yet again and I look forward to welcoming the finalists to the Midlands in May next year."
Furthermore, Hereford United are thought to be in talks with Burton Albion about moving the Conference fixture at Edgar Street forward to next Saturday, 7th December.
The game is currently set for Saturday, 5th April 2003, on the day of the FA Trophy semi-final first leg.