WE’LL GO TO THE COURTS IF WE HAVE TO!
Clubs unite to appeal for a new way forward
NATIONAL League North and South clubs are lobbying for the 19 teams at Step 2 who voted for the season to continue to have a chance to do so – while others are considering legal action.
The outcome of the resolutions to conclude the season was reached this week after a 75 per cent majority voted through Resolution One for the two Steps to decide their fate separately.
In National League South there was a 9-12 majority wanting to continue but in National League North the outcome was 15-7 to end the season and the combined majority saw curtailment.
The result now has to be taken to The FA for ratification, which includes discussion about promotion and relegation. As it stands, with National League North and South set to end, there would be no promotion to or relegation from the top-flight.
However, 18 clubs, on behalf of the 19 who wanted to continue at Step 2, have written to National League general manager Mark Ives pleading for a way they can continue the season.
Their argument, which has been referred to The FA, consists of these key points:
● The importance of promotion and relegation between Steps 1 and 2 in regards to the league’s relationship with the EFL
● Maintaining the integrity of the competition, having accepted three months of government grants
● The investment and commitment of clubs in a season
● Impact on current and future commercial revenues
● The mental health of supporters and communities.
Their statement concludes: “In summary, we respectfully request that the league strongly consider that the two divisions at Step 2 continue playing their seasons, either separately or as one.
“We believe that this is in the best interests of all National League members allowing the league to cater to the needs and drivers of all clubs in a sympathetic manner, allowing those who wish to continue to do so, and those who cannot or do not wish to continue to end their season.”
Any new format or competition isn’t a National League decision but would have to be discussed by The FA as part of the wider National League System permutations.
An Alliance Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday. Meanwhile, Dorking Wanderers believe the National League have acted in contravention to the required legal and regulatory frameworks, and have therefore appointed a legal team to challenge the resolutions.
The National League South leaders say the legal team’s finding will be provided to The FA and they will also be informing the chief executive, Sport Minister Nigel Huddleston and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden.
“The big issue was the way the vote was structured from the outset,” said owner-manager Marc White. “No-one is saying clubs should risk their financial future by continuing to play football, but this crazy leadership has passed the baton from the problem being with those who couldn’t afford to continue to those who are going to struggle to not continue.”
Gloucester City, the National League North leaders, are also exploring legal action.
“We’re not saying we deserve to get promoted, we’re just saying we deserve an opportunity to try,” Gloucester co-chairman told The NLP.
“What we can’t have is clubs losing the respect for the elite system, the integrity of the league has to be around promotion and relegation.”
Clubs wasted no time in coming together which AFC Fylde chief executive Jonty Castle believes shows the spirit of Non-League.
“It was almost a foregone conclusion we were going to be made null and void,” he said. “One pleasing that comes out of adversity is the football family and the clubs that wanted to continue have rallied quickly. It’s good to see clubs working together.”