Bill Thomas Suggests a Way Forward for Non-League Football.
The coronavirus pandemic is a worrying time for all, and health is far more important than football. But I was disappointed to learn that the National League may now not play the remaining fixtures, and horrified to learn that the step 3 to step 6 leagues will all have their results expunged. If they can't play the fixtures, then promote and relegate on points per game ratio.
Having said that, with the Football League's help, I think that the best answer in non-league football, would be a new regionalised structure, with four promotion places to the Football League. In normal circumstances, this would be difficult to set up in a fully competitive way, due to the high number of teams that would need to move up a level to make the numbers right. But as this season may not be completed anyway, now could be the time to do it.
Promote Barrow and Harrogate, and start the new structure from next season. Who plays at each level would be determined by this season's pyramid placings, with each league table decided by points per game ratio. This would include steps 3 to 6 and below.
The top level of non-league football would then expand into two new regional leagues of 22 teams, with 2 up from each. All of the teams in the top five levels of non-league football could then be accommodated in four levels in a 2-4-8-16 pyramid, with each league having 22 teams and two promotion places. Just over eighty teams would move up from step 6 to make up the numbers, and the rest of step 6 would become the fifth tier non-league. All levels below that would move up one level
The expanded fifth tier would be run by the National League, and the sixth and seventh tier leagues would be upgraded versions of the existing step 3 and 4 leagues. The eighth tier leagues would then be upgraded versions of the existing step 5 leagues. All leagues would use the 6-team play-off system that is currently used in the National League to enhance competition.
I think that a structure like this could be money saving and money making. Just what is needed at the present time. A lot of teams would have lower travel costs, and a high percentage of teams could challenge for promotion. Fifth tier teams should find it easier to get promoted, as the best teams would be split into two regions, but with both regions having two promotion spots. Sixth tier teams should also find it easier to get promoted, as this year's strongest teams would have moved up to the fifth tier. The Football League should benefit, as it should be easier for the teams that were relegated from League Two to get back up. A lot of teams would benefit by moving up to a higher level.
As for the Bulls, we would still be sixth tier, but our travel costs would be lower, and the two promotions needed to reach the Football League should be easier. So many teams could benefit.
Sadly however, I think that I had better come back to planet earth now, as I expect there would be very little chance of the football powers even considering an idea like this. But that doesn't stop me from thinking its the best thing they could possibly do.
Last and definitely not least, please stay safe, and I look forward to being at Edgar Street when it is safe to do so. Up the Bulls!!!
Bill Thomas ... Bradford on Avon.
