Update on the National League with North and South playoffs in doubt

An update on Thursday’s National League meeting has been revealed with the North and South playoffs reported to be in doubt.

National League North and South playoffs are at risk of not going ahead according to an article published by the Non League Paper.

Radio commentator and journalist Ollie_Bayliss has also claimed that the National League is proposing the following method for deciding the season as more information comes to light.

I understand that the National League is proposing this method for deciding the season:

?Places decided on PPG

?Top clubs promoted

?Playoffs at Step 1 but NOT Step 2

?Bottom Step 1 side relegated

?No Step 2 relegation

Clubs have until Monday to vote on the proposal. pic.twitter.com/VnOA2F3Pro

— Ollie Bayliss (@Ollie_Bayliss) June 11, 2020

Talks on how to sort the end of the 2019/20 season are ongoing this week with a scheduled ‘virtual’ meeting set for 4:30pm Thursday afternoon.

The NLP reports that the National League wrote to clubs – who sit in the playoffs of Step 2 – on Wednesday night to explain the government’s current policy when it comes to the resuming elite sport which doesn’t include the North and South divisions.

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

It means the much anticipated end of season playoffs can’t be fitted in before next season, although there is no start date due to of the coronavirus pandemic.

There have been so many changes since the season was suspended in March, only for the remaining league matches to be cancelled late April.

The National League have been waiting for the EFL to make a decision on promotion and relegation before announcing how their their three divisions will be included.

On Tuesday, League One and League Two clubs voted to promote and relegate using an PPG system and play out their playoffs.

The National League have been granted an extension by the FA to play the playoffs beyond the deadline of May although they will still have to meet strict guidelines.

However, the government’s current policy is preventing Step 2 from potentially doing so.

In other news, Barrow AFC are going to be made to wait for an outcome on hopes of promotion to the Football League. Sport Furness understands that today’s National League briefing will NOT lead to a decision today, as club chairmen will be given time to consider their options.

King’s Lynn chairman Stephen Cleeve said on Twitter: “So 11th hour problems – Govt only class elite football down to the National League so as it stands at the moment there cannot be any play offs in NLN and NLS. NL rules do not allow promotion from NLN and NLS without play offs so it would need a rule change for York and Havant.”

talkSPORT producer/presenter Jake Watson said via his Twitter account: “Huge vote for The National League…

“My understanding is that York are the team with the most to gain or lose.

“Clubs will be asked if they want play offs or not…IF clubs vote ‘no’ then York should go up with Kings Lynn.

“BUT…. IF York vote NO and 4 other NLN sides vote YES then the play offs will go ahead without York.

“So – York owner Jason McGill will basically play a game of poker gambling on what he thinks the other clubs will vote for…

“However – most likely scenario is clubs vote for NO play offs which means Kings Lynn, York, Wealdstone and Havant go up

“Playing the games will cost each club circa £60k – so it’s whether they want to gamble on promotion or take stock ready for next season in current division.

“Believe vote will initially be on whether PPG is implemented across the National Leagues. Suspect that will be passed through which will promote Barrow, King’s Lynn and Wealdstone.

“Discussion/vote on play offs not necessarily (frustratingly) on today’s agenda.”

York City’s media officier, @Dan_Simmonite said: This will feel like the longest day ever but please stick to info from official channels and get the cans at the ready (?).

Meeting is at 4:30pm. You will hear first from the National League. I expect they will release comms this evening or tomorrow morning.

Fans reacted after learning of the update on the National League with the North and South playoffs in doubt…

@TheVanaramaNL is a joke #NationalLeague #nationalleaguenorth

— Chuckie Egg (@Chuckieegg007) June 11, 2020

The national league couldn’t even manage their way out of a paper bag

— Josh B (@NotJosButtler) June 11, 2020

No surprise then.

— I Am Dave (@DaveChubb) June 11, 2020

We’ve worked hard all season, we better get the decision we deserve.

Come on city! #ycfc

— Isaac Durham (@isaacdurham10) June 11, 2020

Hoping for good news coming from York City. Knowing which League the club will be in will allow Steve Watson to build a squad to be able to compete in the National League or the National League North. It seams a long time ago now since scenes like this at Bootham Crescent. pic.twitter.com/o8Nn6Qx3sB

— Michael Scott – York District Hospital Volunteer. (@Michael60511889) June 11, 2020

SIMMONITE KNOWS SOMETHING

— KENTWIX-19 (@kentwix12) June 11, 2020

Absolute shambles. Haven’t got a clue what they are doing

— Paul Worrall (@WozzerCFC) June 11, 2020

What a bloody farce!

— Richard Martin (@rmatank) June 11, 2020

And, the NL only discovered this last night? They’ve had months to work on this!

— Gaz C (@gazc_99) June 11, 2020

So unless the national league quickly change the league rules, york are going to finish top of the league but not get promoted because we’re not allowed to play offs due to the governments terminology of “elite”…
Fuck this I can’t be bothered with york city

— tomHaughycfc (@haughycfc) June 11, 2020

The rules also state that the season cannot finish with 8 games to go so i think the rulebook is thrown out due to exceptional circumstances ?‍♂️

— lilcoops (@mikecoops85) June 11, 2020