Suffolk Blue wrote: ↑Wed Apr 29, 2020 11:48 am
Nigel Bamford wrote: ↑Wed Apr 29, 2020 11:31 am
This is part of the text from the National League's letter which I think has relevance (I found it in the Harrogate Advertiser):
The current EFL position as outlined verbally to the National League and the FA is that if the National League completes its play-offs following the existing approved format (my emphasis)
and League Two completes its season, it is reasonable to assume the National League play-off winner can be promoted as the ‘National League runner- up’.
'However, if either of these conditions were not fulfilled, it is quite possible that the promotion place for the play-off winner could be jeopardised.'
The key phrase is "existing approved format", i.e. the clubs in 2nd to 7th places. By any calculation Barrow are top and, therefore, not involved. I was a bit despondent last night listening to Ian Dennis on BBC RC but this has perked me up.
Great quote that Nigel. The words are very specific and important. I read this as the EFL warning the NL not to mess about with things and stay within the existing rules. Certainly no encouragement to void and another inference being made between the team that finishes first and the other play-off candidates.
I have this feeling that what we are experiencing is the NL trying to resolve an inner conflict between the self-interests of its members and the need to act collectively and responsibly. You get the impression that if the NL do call a result, they will do so reluctantly. But it does seem clear that the EFL has got involved in this issue and is giving specific guidance which can only be positive.
Looks to me that the NL will now wait for certainty whether the FL are going to resume or not. If they do then the NL will run the playoffs as normal ie 2nd down to 7th to establish the 2nd club to be promoted
If the FL choose not to resume and either void the season with no promotions or relegations or go with the scenario of promoting but not relegating clubs [ meaning that Stevenage won't be relegated ] no second club would be needed [ unless of course, an FL club was to go bust and was needed to be replaced ] there would be no need to establish the 2nd club and would, therefore, be no need for the playoffs either.
The problem with this tho is that there will be clubs wanting a decision on releasing players and the FL decision could be a way off yet what the NL could do is announce who the 6 playoff clubs are then they could make their own decisions on releasing players or extending them to play in any possible playoffs and the rest of the league could then get on and release their out of contract players.
But in all the last weeks comings and goings, I have yet to see anything that indicates that Barrow aren't already promoted in fact i.d go as far as to say that exactly the opposite is true.
