Step 3 leagues to increase to 24 teams from 2013/14

[Edinburgh Rebel]

Noticed this thread on the nonleaguematters forum: http://www.nonleaguematters.co.uk/forum/gforum.cgi?post=404401;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;guest=67928386

 

"That, with effect from Season 2013/2014, the Premier Divisions of the Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Football Leagues (Step 3) be increased to 24 clubs."

 

I don't know how they normally handle promotion/relegation in these situations. Would they give an extra promotion place for next season to the Southern League Central/South & West (so that three teams go up from each) or would they promote two teams from each as normal and only relegate two teams from the Southern Premier?

[GarySTFC]

I would fully expect, consistent with previous times this has happened, the relegation spaces will be reduced.

[Windsor_Sec]

Absolutely correct Gary, it actually says that in the press release although the bottom club WILL be relegated regardless of numbers. This comes about because of the proposed restructure for step 5/6 leagues which has now been abandoned in the format the FA were suggesting. The Ryman League have accepted a proposal to also increase their two Division ones to 24 teams each whilst the Southern and Northern Leagues declined to do so. This will create two extra promotion places which means for the first time ever all 14 step 5 league champions could be promoted as previously there were only 12 promotion places for 14 teams !

[Edinburgh Rebel]

Pity that there won't be extra promotion places next season. I think that would be far more interesting but I can see why the leagues would be against it.

 

It's interesting what is happening at Step 5. Hopefully one day we can get to a situation where two clubs can be promoted from each Step 5 league. At least this is a step in the right direction with all the leagues champions being guaranteed a promotion place (assuming they meet the ground criteria/want to be promoted).

[Tom]

As hypocritical as it sounds given Slough benefited from a reprieve, I don't see why relegated teams are saved.

 

It would create much more competition and reward ambitious clubs if sides were promoted rather than saving relegated clubs, who at this level of football are largely relegated because they can't sustain football at the level they are at.

 

Ho hum.

[Don Juan DeMarcus]

Agree more up more down avoid stagnating leagues