CHANGE IS BEST FOR THE SOUTH & WEST

THE Football Association have announced a period of consultation on a proposal to adjust the structure at Step 5 and 6 in the south west.

The Western League and South West Peninsula League made representations following the National League System restructure that came in last year because of the travelling impact on a number of clubs in the region, especially at Step 5.

The matter came to a head last month when Keynsham Town said they could not fulfil their 396-mile round midweek trip to Mousehole in the Western League due to costs and logistical issues. Keynsham argued the Somerset town was actually closer to Manchester than Mousehole.

Details of the proposed structure – two divisions at Step 5 instead of one currently – will be released to clubs in the coming weeks.

An FA statement, released by the South West Peninsula League, read: “Following the Summer 2021 restructure of the National League System, representations were made from the South West Peninsula League and the Western League on the travelling impacts to Clubs in the South West of the country, especially at Step 5.

“Representatives from the FA have met with officers of the respective leagues to explore alternative options which must protect both the integrity of the competition and the fluidity of the pyramid. A proposal has been submitted to the FA Leagues Committee, who have supported a proposal in principle.

“Following further dialogue, it has been agreed that these proposals must now enter a period of consultation with stakeholders in the area including but not limited to, leagues, clubs and county FA’s. The two leagues have been authorised to undertake discussions to present and explain their proposals in due course.

“The FA will seek observations of these proposals from stakeholders before the FA Leagues Committee consider the next steps.”

Welwyn Garden City have reportedly been successful in their appeal against ground grading rules that could have seen them automatically relegated from Step 4.