FA torpedoes clubs’ hopes of mini-league at step 2
The FA has torpedoed clubs’ hopes of creating a mini-league at step 2 after the National League North and National League South seasons were brought to a premature conclusion.
The campaigns were cancelled and declared null and void after the majority of clubs at those levels, including Slough Town, voted in favour of it.
But several clubs in the North and South divisions had hoped to come together to create their own mini-league, thereby maintaining the possibility of promotion to the National League Premier division.
However, the FA said this week ‘the Committee did not consider that the proposed competition to be in the interests of the integrity of the National League system’.
Additionally, the statement read: “The Committee also took note of the fact that whilst a majority of clubs within step 2 expressed support for the competition, only 35% of clubs indicated that they would take part; and the majority of step 1 clubs voted against the competition and promotion to step 1.
“The National League’s Board took a neutral stance in respect of the proposed competition (neither actively supported nor opposed it). The National League had not conducted any preparatory work in relation to the proposed competition.
“If any clubs wish to make further representations in respect of the Committee’s decision to be put before FA Council, please send them (by email) by close of business on March 25, and they will be included in the pack to be put before Council.”