York City chair has called for reform of the promotion system from the National League.
Dear National League and Mr. Birch,
I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment at the current promotion system between the National League and League Two, following a season where York City FC, despite finishing 28 points clear of 7th place and winning 12 more matches, were denied promotion.
Such a glaring imbalance not only undermines sporting merit but erodes the very foundations of fair competition. To dominate a league campaign so comprehensively (Barnet the only exception), only to be forced into a playoff lottery, is structurally unjust. It penalises excellence and rewards clubs with fewer points in a way no professional league system should condone.
While I am aware of the historical basis for the two-up structure, it is no longer fit for purpose. The gap between the top National League clubs and the lower EFL clubs has narrowed, and in many cases reversed, making the case for three-up promotion beyond compelling.
The “3UP” campaign rightly reflects the sentiment of every National League club and countless supporters. But waiting until 2025–26 only deepens the injustice for clubs like York City, who have already paid the price for a system built on outdated assumptions.
I urge both governing bodies to urgently consider transitional reform, whether via immediate review, temporary relief measures, or an accelerated implementation of the “3UP” model. At the very least, this season’s outcome should provoke an honest re-evaluation of what fairness in football truly means.
I would also like to point out that writing this letter should not undermine the achievements of Oldham Athletic from their victory at Wembley yesterday, and to Southend United for making the final. Their accomplishments should not go unnoticed.
Too many great clubs, including Oldham and Southend, have fallen into this league with little chance of redemption due to the lack of promotion places. The current system is simply not sustainable anymore.
For clubs, fans, and the integrity of the English football pyramid, it is time to reward merit and restore credibility to the system.
Julie-Anne Uggla