Decisions being made

[Moribund]

Well the EFL intends to play to a conclusion, so that should still see one team relegated to the National League and two go up to League 2. Given Weaver's comment that we are first in line (you'd think he'd be the main person against it) then we'd also be most likely to be voted up.

They've already said that PPG is unfair, so I can't see them changing their mind in the case of the National Leagues - rule that one out.

[Pedro]

Well the EFL intends to play to a conclusion, so that should still see one team relegated to the National League and two go up to League 2. Given Weaver's comment that we are first in line (you'd think he'd be the main person against it) then we'd also be most likely to be voted up.

They've already said that PPG is unfair, so I can't see them changing their mind in the case of the National Leagues - rule that one out.

I think the FA will try and be pragmatic and promote Hereford again!

[ssgtfoster]

So here goes - this is genuinely what I think the outcome will be having looked at this for weeks........

(1) EFL 2 must have an additional team for next season - FACT. Screws the whole fixture list up otherwise with blank Saturdays for teams/Carribo Cup/FA Cup etc. The EFL structure is the most critical, more so than the National League. SO THERE WILL BE ONE TEAM INVITED INTO THE EFL;

(2) The National League will he asked to nominate a team for promotion, and whatever the final outcome of this seasons results (null & void/PPG) they will make the only fair and reasonable decision they can, and nominate BARROW. No NL team would ultimately disagree - most have already indicated as much;

(3) This then leaves the National League one team short for next season. But they cannot promote from NL North or South as feeder leagues are annulled. They will accept this though, as better to have the blank fixture in NL than EFL (we have far more forced postponements in NL due to FA Cup Qualifying/crap pitches/FA Trophy). The NL will then only relegate 3 teams 2020/21 but promote 4 as usual from North & South to level things out. Also the NL has this Cup Comp in Scotland that screws the fixtures too certain weekends - this will be considered and will level everything out.

I cannot see any other outcome than the above. Just need EFL to agree this weekend - which they would - if they haven’t already. This then concludes the entire non league set up for 2019/20 - and whatever the outcome of the EFL season (completed or not) it has no relevance as the decision is already in place.

I’m happy that this is the only viable, sound conclusion that will be ratified next week.

[Hadrian]

If it comes down to an ‘invitation’ it will be Barrow.
Imagine the shitstorm if the EFL took another club instead.

We were in a popularity contest way back in 1972; it didn't end well for us.

Better Call Saul!

We deserved to be unpopular in 1972, given our previous record of having repeatedly to seek re-election, various financial crises, the partly-demolished condition of the ground and corners of the pitch missing, which had to be relaid on boards for each match.

No wonder Hartlepool (who were in the mix for re-election approaching the season's end and, I think had applied the same number of times as us previously) made such a public song and dance about the pitch after losing 2-0 at Holker Street on Easter Monday. ( Article about that match) Whether other teams were better disposed towards us behind the scenes seems unlikely.

If we are in a popularity contest in 2020, and that is based upon similar sorts of current facts together with what has happened on the pitch, then we should be champions.

If self-centred emotion was to come in to it, then beware Notts County.

[Cromwell58]

Having waited over 40 years for Barrow to go back in the Football League if it happens it will feel like a hollow victory, we should have been at Halifax today celebrating and getting ready for one of Barrow's biggest street party when we got home.

[Hadrian]

The FL have coped with one team short in L1 this season and could do so again. Although this would have a financial implication (one home game fewer per team again) it may be easier than selecting a team from L2 for promotion if the season cannot be finished and there is no consensus on how to determine final placings. In such a situation, it could be that membership of Tiers 1-4 could remain as now.

[Suffolk Blue]

So here goes - this is genuinely what I think the outcome will be having looked at this for weeks........

(1) EFL 2 must have an additional team for next season - FACT. Screws the whole fixture list up otherwise with blank Saturdays for teams/Carribo Cup/FA Cup etc. The EFL structure is the most critical, more so than the National League. SO THERE WILL BE ONE TEAM INVITED INTO THE EFL;

(2) The National League will he asked to nominate a team for promotion, and whatever the final outcome of this seasons results (null & void/PPG) they will make the only fair and reasonable decision they can, and nominate BARROW. No NL team would ultimately disagree - most have already indicated as much;

(3) This then leaves the National League one team short for next season. But they cannot promote from NL North or South as feeder leagues are annulled. They will accept this though, as better to have the blank fixture in NL than EFL (we have far more forced postponements in NL due to FA Cup Qualifying/crap pitches/FA Trophy). The NL will then only relegate 3 teams 2020/21 but promote 4 as usual from North & South to level things out. Also the NL has this Cup Comp in Scotland that screws the fixtures too certain weekends - this will be considered and will level everything out.

I cannot see any other outcome than the above. Just need EFL to agree this weekend - which they would - if they haven’t already. This then concludes the entire non league set up for 2019/20 - and whatever the outcome of the EFL season (completed or not) it has no relevance as the decision is already in place.

I’m happy that this is the only viable, sound conclusion that will be ratified next week.

Love your optimism and to some extent your logic. Just to be clear the EFL dont HAVE to have another team for next season, but they have already indicated prior to coronavirus that this was their plan. I do think they will try to increase the EFL back to 72 clubs and in our current position this has always been our best chance of promotion and it remains so.

Not sure the NL will be asked to nominate a club for promotion. Especially if it voids the season. Either it would declare a champion or the EFL could invite who they wanted. Lastly if the NL really wants to end the season as cleanly and acceptably as possible it will have to avoid relegation. If you offered Fylde a season curtailed with no relegation I dont think they'd care what happened to us. I think you'd get a majority of NL clubs agreeing on that basis.

Unfortunately our history has never been served well by logic.

[chipmunx]

https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/s ... 7gOYA3KvMo

"The option to vote for the 2019/20 season to be declared null and void will not be one presented to National League clubs, according to Harrogate Town managing director Garry Plant"

[jaycarter]

So here goes - this is genuinely what I think the outcome will be having looked at this for weeks........

(1) EFL 2 must have an additional team for next season - FACT. Screws the whole fixture list up otherwise with blank Saturdays for teams/Carribo Cup/FA Cup etc. The EFL structure is the most critical, more so than the National League. SO THERE WILL BE ONE TEAM INVITED INTO THE EFL;

(2) The National League will he asked to nominate a team for promotion, and whatever the final outcome of this seasons results (null & void/PPG) they will make the only fair and reasonable decision they can, and nominate BARROW. No NL team would ultimately disagree - most have already indicated as much;

(3) This then leaves the National League one team short for next season. But they cannot promote from NL North or South as feeder leagues are annulled. They will accept this though, as better to have the blank fixture in NL than EFL (we have far more forced postponements in NL due to FA Cup Qualifying/crap pitches/FA Trophy). The NL will then only relegate 3 teams 2020/21 but promote 4 as usual from North & South to level things out. Also the NL has this Cup Comp in Scotland that screws the fixtures too certain weekends - this will be considered and will level everything out.

I cannot see any other outcome than the above. Just need EFL to agree this weekend - which they would - if they haven’t already. This then concludes the entire non league set up for 2019/20 - and whatever the outcome of the EFL season (completed or not) it has no relevance as the decision is already in place.

I’m happy that this is the only viable, sound conclusion that will be ratified next week.

It is Div 1 that is a team short not Div 2 it would be much easier to sort if it was Div 2 as stated above, so to move Barrow or any other team into Div 2 they must promote one team from div 2 to create the vacancy not so easy I think but we will see.

[HenneysKnee]

https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/s ... 7gOYA3KvMo

"The option to vote for the 2019/20 season to be declared null and void will not be one presented to National League clubs, according to Harrogate Town managing director Garry Plant"

That would be very interesting.......if it’s official

[madplumpy]

Anyone thought they might promote 1 club via a playoff?
Barrow get a bye to the final as ‘champions’ normal play-off spots play their usual round robins and the winner of that meet us in the final and the winner promoted to EFL2? If this lock down is relaxed soon, then these matches could get played fairly quickly.

[boyliegladbach]

Anyone thought they might promote 1 club via a playoff?
Barrow get a bye to the final as ‘champions’ normal play-off spots play their usual round robins and the winner of that meet us in the final and the winner promoted to EFL2? If this lock down is relaxed soon, then these matches could get played fairly quickly.

Who goes in play offs? Teams currently below play offs with games in hand wouldn't be happy like solihul and Barnet.
To many arguments for every scenario

[Jonty]

Anyone thought they might promote 1 club via a playoff?
Barrow get a bye to the final as ‘champions’ normal play-off spots play their usual round robins and the winner of that meet us in the final and the winner promoted to EFL2? If this lock down is relaxed soon, then these matches could get played fairly quickly.

There will be no more football played this season.

[Moribund]

So here goes - this is genuinely what I think the outcome will be having looked at this for weeks........

(1) EFL 2 must have an additional team for next season - FACT. Screws the whole fixture list up otherwise with blank Saturdays for teams/Carribo Cup/FA Cup etc. The EFL structure is the most critical, more so than the National League. SO THERE WILL BE ONE TEAM INVITED INTO THE EFL;

(2) The National League will he asked to nominate a team for promotion, and whatever the final outcome of this seasons results (null & void/PPG) they will make the only fair and reasonable decision they can, and nominate BARROW. No NL team would ultimately disagree - most have already indicated as much;

(3) This then leaves the National League one team short for next season. But they cannot promote from NL North or South as feeder leagues are annulled. They will accept this though, as better to have the blank fixture in NL than EFL (we have far more forced postponements in NL due to FA Cup Qualifying/crap pitches/FA Trophy). The NL will then only relegate 3 teams 2020/21 but promote 4 as usual from North & South to level things out. Also the NL has this Cup Comp in Scotland that screws the fixtures too certain weekends - this will be considered and will level everything out.

I cannot see any other outcome than the above. Just need EFL to agree this weekend - which they would - if they haven’t already. This then concludes the entire non league set up for 2019/20 - and whatever the outcome of the EFL season (completed or not) it has no relevance as the decision is already in place.

I’m happy that this is the only viable, sound conclusion that will be ratified next week.

It is Div 1 that is a team short not Div 2 it would be much easier to sort if it was Div 2 as stated above, so to move Barrow or any other team into Div 2 they must promote one team from div 2 to create the vacancy not so easy I think but we will see.

EFL plans to play its remaining games, so that shouldn't be a problem.

[blumooncrab]

Having waited over 40 years for Barrow to go back in the Football League if it happens it will feel like a hollow victory, we should have been at Halifax today celebrating and getting ready for one of Barrow's biggest street party when we got home.

I understand but it won’t feel empty to me - absolutely the opposite- a dream come true after decades of pain - we deserve it and we will celebrate it when the time is right