A really bad idea

[Steve T]

The National League AGM yesterday approved a change to its play-off arrangements. Six clubs will be eligible instead of the current four.

The format will be:-

1st round – 4th v. 7th, 5th v. 6th

SF – 2nd v. lowest 1R winner, 3rd v. highest 1R winner

National final to be at Wembley as now, regional finals at 'a club ground', but that might be neutral, possibly Football League, rather than the highest placed club as now.

All matches one-offs (semi-finals have been two legs until now).

Giving the higher-placed clubs an advantage by playing fewer games is correct but that could be done with just four clubs taking part. Allowing six clubs to take part is a bad move and devalues even further the league table.

Don't be surprised if this is adopted at our level in the future.

[simon]

So by that method a team finishing 20 points behind second (Barrow to Tranmere) could have gone up. Makes no sense. For what it's worth, I think the Scottish system whereby teams from the higher league are included in the play offs is much more realistic. 

[Steve T]

Jun 11, 2017 14:28:25 GMT 1 simon said:

I think the Scottish system whereby teams from the higher league are included in the play offs is much more realistic. 

As happened in the Football League when play-offs were introduced in the late 80s.

[simon]

Thanks, I thought that was the case.