NOW IS THE TIME TO SHAKE IT UP!
Project Non-League unveil a revised proposal
PROJECT Non-League is up and running and gaining momentum – with a new revised proposal designed to shake-up the game.
Brainchild of Jersey Bulls director Ian Horsell, the independent group initially suggested abandoning the rest of the 2020-21 campaign and combining the results from the last two seasons to decide promotion.
But after debating the issue with Chris Sutton and Robbie Savage on BBC 5 Live, and receiving indifferent feedback from a number of clubs, Project Non-League has had a re-think and returned with a long-term solution to breath fresh new life to the game at Steps 3 and below.
While almost accepting that the current campaign is all but over, project organisers have suggested that FA chiefs use the time wisely to restructure the National League System, much like the Womens’ game, as sanctioned by the FA Women’s Football Board.
It involves clubs applying to step up a level and fill any vacancies available – with no relegation imposed – based on the following criteria:
● Facilities
● Club structure
● Workforce
● Finance
● Off-the-field administration
● On-the-field playing record
Clubs have been asked to include their thoughts of the Project NonLeague proposal in question 12 of the FA survey received this week with view to a second survey perhaps being issued if support deems it necessary.
Horsell told The NLP: “Some clubs told us that they could not support the initial plan as last season was expunged at Steps 3-7. They pointed at the difficulties at ‘unexpunging’ a season.
“We have listened and totally understand why, so we went back to the table and rejigged our proposal to place more emphasis on restructuring the pyramid.
“But our initial view remains, and that is to avoid a successive nulland-void season. Being stagnant for so long has huge ramifications for everyone; sponsors, volunteers, players and managers, and would be disastrous. We know our proposals are not perfect right now but anything is better than that!
Pure pyramid
“With the current season looking as good as over – and points-pergame pretty much impossible with some teams having played as few as two league games so far – we feel this is a great opportunity to restructure the pyramid as the FA plan to do.
“And we’ve had good support as well. Clubs like Worthing, who were top of the Isthmian Premier Division when last season was null and void and are top of the league now with this season suspended. Who would deny that they aren’t worthy of promotion and taking a vacant spot in National League South?
“And it goes all the way down to Step 7 clubs, who are operating with bigger resources than some clubs above them but keep having the door slammed shut due to other clubs hitting ground grading requirements. There are around 30 spaces at Step 6 available and left vacant.
“It’s about uniting clubs and creating a pure pyramid as [Northern Premier League chairman] Mark Harris said. But also to the disadvantage of no other club.”
Project Non-League have presented their proposals to clubs in the form of an open letter and online, with view to gauging a response.
Nothing, however, is due to be decided before the next meeting of the FA Alliance Committee which takes place in the middle of next month.