THREE-UP NOW LONG OVERDUE

THREE-UP, three-down between the National League and the EFL has been the subject of so much debate down the years. It has to happen. The National League has evolved hugely since a second promotion spot was introduced in 2002-03.

I just don’t know why League Two has four promotion spots – three up automatically and one through the play-offs – and just two relegation places. I just don’t get that.

There are three-up from the Championship into the Premier League and three from League One into the Championship.

I just don’t understand why League Two can’t be tweaked to the same, and then National League should then be allowed to follow suit.

Leeway

As much as it feels like the end of the world for the teams who fall into there National League – Scunthorpe United and Oldham Athletic this season – this is a division that is just as good.

Crowds are healthy, there is more air time on TV and the level of the players is excellent.

Oldham and Scunthorpe are going to have to get their heads around it quickly.

For me, relegated clubs must look at managers who know this league. History tells us how difficult it is to get straight back up – and that’s even when clubs aren’t in crisis off the pitch. Clubs coming up from the National League North and South are ever stronger and the division as a whole is hugely competitive.

The manager is the most important element of how you start life in Non-League.

Oldham boss John Sheridan has been at this level with Chesterfield and been unsuccessful with a decent squad. He’s a club legend and may get some leeway.

Keith Hill, at Scunthorpe, hasn’t managed at this level and he will need to adjust and speak to contacts who do know this division. You’ve got to sign the right players.

Drama

If either made a management change I’d be looking straight to Pete Wild. If Halifax don’t get promoted this season, test the waters.

Obviously, he was at Oldham before and whether that would play into his thinking about going back – we know he is an Oldham fan. And Scunthorpe aren’t a million miles from where he’s based either. He’s doing such a good job at The Shay.

Just like with Southend United at the start of this season, there is often a hesitancy with saying a club will bounce back immediately. Now, nine times out of ten, they land in Non-League with a bump and a lot of drama.

Relegation from League Two rarely seems to be down to being unlucky on the pitch but often a whole other host of problems off it.

So the two newbies will find it hard. It’s not easy to adapt quickly. And that’s why the managers and recruitment are so crucial.