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Conference 2 to be ratified in May
The plans for the Conference 2 North and South divisions are likely to be ratified by the FA in May and implemented for the 2004/05 season, according to reports today.
Both leagues will have the twenty-four teams and will be run by an alliance of the Conference, Ryman, Unibond and Dr. Martens League officials.
FA National Game Director Steve Parkin told thefa.com “During the past two and a half years, one of The FA’s key objectives has been to make the National Leagues System more competitive, exciting and consistent. This agreement has been achieved through teamwork between The FA and all Leagues down to Level 4; they should be commended for their positive cooperation in helping to shape the future of football at this level.
“The FA will now work with the Football Conference, Isthmian League, Southern League, Northern Premier League and Level 3 and Level 4 clubs to finalise all details and establish selection criteria for entry into the two Feeder Leagues, ensuring that all clubs have this information before the start of season 2003/04.”
The Conference have also applied to expand to twenty-four teams, but for next season. However, the FA have said that they will not accept the proposal until it has been sent to the feeder leagues. A decision is expected before the end of the season, at the next FA National Leagues Sanctions Committee meeting.