TREAT US ALL THE SAME! STEP 2 CLUBS AREN’T A SEPARATE ENTITY
We are all sitting here waiting to see what’s around the corner and when it will be possible to get back to a little bit of normality. Of course, first we have to see if, in a few weeks’ time, the government will start to lift the lockdown.
It will be a little by little. That’s the right thing to do. Slowly, slowly. What will be, will be.
As for football! It was announced on Wednesday the three National League divisions are to cancel its regular league games for 2019-20 season.
Apparently the voting was overwhelming to end the current campaign immediately.
So, what happens next? This is my view and only my view as a Step 2 manager.
Dartford, as a club, received an email on Friday afternoon stating we would be getting another email asking us how, and if, it would be feasible to play the play-offs at Step 2.
Or, we will be asked, should there be another way of concluding the season? It also stated that the league feel that they could have a definitive outcome within a week.
But how do they come to that conclusion?
Here is what I think. I believe the league expect most clubs in the North and South divisions to vote NO for playing the play-offs,
Realistically it’s only going to be around 14 teams across the two divisions that vote for playing them – if possible and when it is safe and appropriate to do so. And they are the ones in the top seven or can get in it mathematically if the points-per-game method is brought into the equation.
Whether the play-offs are played or not has no impact on any of the other clubs in either division.
We already know there is no relegation. Step 3 has been declared null and void so they won’t be promoting clubs up anyway. Effectively the decision doesn’t impact most clubs.
Fortune
I believe the league ask us to look at a vote for points-per-game with the top team promoted while the rest go into the play-offs. The games, they will likely say, will have to be held behind-closeddoors and we will need to all have had testing for Covid-19. Then, with the players’ contracts you have to pay them until the last game whenever that is. How will clubs in the North and South get round that without it costing them a fortune?
I can only speak for my club and everybody has been paid up to date. If the play-offs were to go ahead we would pay the players when they play them. I can see other clubs going down the same line. It makes sense and the playoffs could be played over a week. Quarter-finals Saturday, semi-finals Wednesday, finals Sunday. But it could be wishful thinking. It feels like the National League’s top flight are seen as a separate entity to us in the North and South. I believe there’s a feeling it is easier to get us out of the way – hence why the decision could be made in a week – and concentrate on the National League where there are some big clubs that are determined the play-offs are played.
I actually believe they will be at
Step 1. They need to fit in with the EFL and if League Two decide to relegate then the National League will surely promote.
Umbrella
But I think relegation from the National League’s top tier is another story. As I said earlier, nobody is being relegated from the North or South. Clubs at Step 1 will argue for the same and, my feeling, is they won’t put anyone down. Which begs the question, why are we being asked in the North and South about the feasibility of the play-offs?
So that’s why I say the league are gambling on all the clubs voting to end everything here and now. If the majority do, then it’s one less headache.
My opinion is we should all be treated the same way across all the divisions. It should never be one rule for one and another for someone else. Especially as we are all meant to be under the same umbrella!
I see the same set of problems for all behind closed doors games. It will also be the same issue when to comes to all players and staff being tested. The only difference are the contracts because they will pay all through the year. I’ve already suggested a solution at Step 2. We’ll soon see. I just hope all the clubs who deserve to get their shot at promotion get that chance.