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Saturday, April 26, 2025

National League criticised as champions won't be handed trophy

The National League has been criticised after announcing it won't be holding a presentation for the North champions this afternoon (Saturday).

With three teams in the running for the top spot and automatic promotion to non-league's top flight, league bosses said they won't be taking the trophy anywhere.

Kidderminster Harriers are the favourites to win the league and a win - even if by only one goal - will be enough as their goal difference is 22 better than Brackley Town who also have 89 points.

But should Harriers fail to win at Southport, which they have prepared for within an overnight stay and a training session at Bolton Wanderers, Brackley could leapfrog them. 

Then if Kidderminster lose and if Brackley fail to win against bottom side Farsley Celtic, Scunthorpe would go top with a win over Hereford.

With three clubs still mathematically in with the chance of winning the National League South as well, the league said: "Due to this unprecedented situation, the National League board felt with nine clubs still in the mix, it is just not logistically feasible, or fair, to all clubs involved in their title race, to have a presentation pre-arranged, if they won it on Saturday. After much consideration, the Board has voted for Clubs to arrange the presentation of the trophy at a later date, once the champions are confirmed.

"The National League is liaising with those clubs who could possibly win the title tomorrow, in the North and South divisions, to make arrangements for potential title presentations on an alternative date. We will confirm more details once the champions for each division are known."

However, supporters were left unhappy with the news.

Commenting on Facebook, Gaz Wellington said: "Yeah, this is a terrible decision. Can’t the real trophies go to the current leaders games and a mock one be sent to the others? Just so fans can enjoy the occasion in its entirety. After all; it’s the fans that make it what it is."

Marky Mark said: "That is very disappointing and so underwhelming before a ball is even kicked. Using three replica trophies at Southport, Brackley and Hereford would of been better no after match presentation and the way forward surely."

Mirjon Livani added: "I can see why it’s a terrible decision but they could at least give a ceremonious mock trophy tell the fans the trophy is a display only and to wait on the real one later on in the same day."