National League’s proposed method for deciding the season

The National League‘s proposed method for deciding the season has been revealed with clubs now needing to vote on it by Monday.

The new plans would see a whole host of changes in how many teams go up and down, so be sure to read on as we make sense of it all.

The final standings for all three non league divisions would be based on points-per-game (PPG) with just the top teams going up.

That would see Barrow, King’s Lynn Town and Wealdstone crowned champions and promoted. The Linnetts would leapfrog York City to take top spot in the National League North.

We learned on Thursday that the playoffs would go ahead in the National League, but not for it’s North and South leagues due to the government’s current policy when it comes to the resuming elite sport.

The Department of Culture of Media and Sport’s definition doesn’t apply to part-time sport.

A decision is expected on Friday as to whether Stevenage or Macclesfield Town will be relegated from League Two.

The team that wins the National League playoffs would take Bury’s place after they were expelled from the English Football League.

Only one side would be relegated meaning AFC Fylde, Ebbsfleet United and Maidenhead United would avoid going down. Chorley however would.

No teams will be relegated from the National League North and South after the Football Association chose to null and void the season from step 3 to 7.

It was in April that National League clubs voted to end their season, cancelling their remaining league games after it was suspended in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The league indicated that if the vote does not go through they will next consider declaring the leagues null and void.

All National League clubs will have a vote, with the North and South divisions having four votes each.

A majority of 51 per cent would be required but any decision still has to be ratified by the FA Council.

So to sum up, places are decided on PPG, top clubs promoted, playoffs at Step 1 but NOT Step 2, bottom Step 1 side relegated and no Step 2 relegation.

National League:
Promoted: Barrow and playoff winners
Playoffs: Harrogate Town, Notts County, Yeovil Town, Boreham Wood, FC Halifax Town and Barnet
Relegated: Chorley
Teams avoiding relegation: AFC Fylde, Maidenhead United, Ebbsfleet United

National League North:
Promoted: King’s Lynn Town
Teams avoiding relegation: Blyth Spartans and Bradford (Park Avenue)

National League South:
Promoted: Wealdstone
Teams avoiding relegation: Braintree Town and Hungerford Town

Linnets’ chairman Stephen Cleeve said on Thursday: “There’s going to be no vote today whatsoever, there will be no conclusion today, no one is going to be promoted today at all.

“The questions will be asked and votes will be asked to be with the EFL on Monday and then the announcement will come on Monday, so Monday we know we’re at least going to be put out of our misery.

“So this is what I understand is going to happen. Barrow will be promoted as champions, the play-offs will take place in the National League.

“Chorley will be relegated from the National League, there will be no other relegations from the National League so I guess the flip side of what I’m saying is that if you’re a Fylde or Ebbsfleet fan you are still National League status, you will not be relegated.

“King’s Lynn and Wealdstone will be promoted from the National League North and South on unweighted points-per-game basis.

“For that all to happen there will be no play-offs in the National League North and South because the government have prevented it.”

Cleeve said a majority out of 32 votes is needed, with each of the 24 National League clubs getting a vote but the South and North divisions only getting four apiece.

“We just have to wait and see now how it all pans out,” the Linnets chairman added. “My guess is, and this is only a guess, that if the leagues vote no and against the motion, then the whole lot could be null and void – well Barrow could still go up, to fill the gap (in League Two).

“Probably not the news any of you wanted to hear, I apologise for being the bearer of bad tidings. It doesn’t really feel right with me because I believe there should be two promotions from the North and the South.”