Symmetric pyramid is so crucial

I APPRECIATE that until the Pyramid sorts itself into a symmetrical shape with two new Step 5 leagues (one at least in the North) and an eighth Step 4 league (creating a Central League East & West set-up) then fitting the promotion places for seven Step 4 leagues into four Step 3 leagues is going to prove challenging.

However, the announcement this week that only five of the play-off winners would be promoted on a “Points Per Game” basis has maybe not been completely thought through in terms of the knock-on consequences?

What this basically says is that of the 28 sides that find themselves in the playoff positions, two of them know already they can’t get promoted, and indeed most sides that finish fifth for all seven leagues will go into it thinking that their chances of going up are slim.

The great thing about the play-offs is that it maintains interest for sides in the top half of the table deep into the season. Imagine now being sixth or seventh with a couple of games to go. Rather than striving to make the playoffs, you may feel that it is not worth the bother!

A better solution would be that when you have seven play-off winners, the three with the best PPG go straight up and the other four play off on the usual basis.

Additionally, the FA could announce that if any Step 3 side folds midseason or takes voluntary demotion, it would be the play-off winner with the best PPG record that did not get promoted which gets preference.

After the late changes this year, the sooner the symmetrical pyramid comes into force the better. I also think it would be an idea that each summer there needs to be a cut-off date for changes so that everyone knows and can then plan their squads. STEPHEN COOPER Chairman, Peterborough Sports