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Post by Stewart on May 10, 2021 13:14:11 GMT
The National League have released a statement regarding the return of spectators, meaning clubs can now start preparing for the return of fans!
Full Statement:
The National League can confirm plans are ongoing for the anticipated return of spectators at Vanarama National League matches from Monday 17th May.
Subject to the Government easing lockdown restrictions in England, clubs will be issuing details on their media channels for the remaining games of the 2020/21 campaign in due course. Wrexham AFC have been in full consultation with The National League.
Clubs have been requested to submit an Operational Plan to The National League for approval. Permission must also be sought from their Local Authority.
Stadium capacities have been calculated using methodology provided by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) to ensure social distancing is in place.
Through consultation with its members, The National League has determined only home supporters will be able to attend league matches from May 17th and each of the play-off eliminators and semi-finals.
As a neutral fixture, supporters of both participating clubs in the Vanarama National League Promotion Final will be able to attend in limited numbers. Details of a date and venue are currently being finalised.
The National League looks forward to welcoming supporters back to matches from May 17th.
This marks great progress towards the unrestricted return of spectators.
ENDS
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Post by bailo on May 10, 2021 16:46:59 GMT
I have got A LOT of things crossed right now!
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Post by VCLXI on May 10, 2021 21:09:34 GMT
Who made this a sticky? This is a good idea. I do like a sticky.
On the subject of Grimsby and Southend maybe they could just naff off to the European Super League. Or maybe just Southend now.
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Post by Stewart on May 12, 2021 13:33:09 GMT
Ebbsfleet United have been unsuccessful in convincing the FA Alliance Committee to reinstate them to the National League following relegation on points-per-game in the 2019-20 season.
The National League South club were unable to win their place back on the pitch this year after clubs voted to curtail the 2020-21 campaign at Step 2 in February.
With the top-flight currently running with 23 teams – one short of the usual 24 – Fleet attempted to be reinstated.
The Kent-based side were relegated by 0.001 of a point when the 2019-20 campaign was decided on points-per-game which saw Barrow as champions and Chorley and AFC Fylde sent down with Ebbsfleet.
The club explained: “We made representations to the League and FA Alliance Committee to have rule 5.5.2 of the FA laws applied. Given the unique circumstances that led to our relegation last season, and us being one of only two clubs in the UK pyramid to be dropped into a relegation position by Points Per Game, we felt application of the rule under the laws was not only fair, but entirely reasonable.
“5.5.2 states that where a vacancy exists in Step 1, the highest-ranked relegated team of the previous season is to fill that vacancy. On that basis, given there remains only 23 clubs in Step 1 and an obvious vacancy, we felt it reasonable and were confident that the FA Alliance Committee would enable that rule and bring Step 1 to its full complement of 24 teams for next season.
“Unfortunately a number of emergency rule changes were made during the last season due to the pandemic; one of those was a change which altered rule 5.5.2. The wording was changed so that any vacancy that existed would be filled at the absolute discretion of the FA Alliance Committee and FA Council. We put forward our case that given the circumstances and nature of our relegation, that despite the rule not being “hard and fast” for this season due to the amendments, it stands to reason that the spirit of the rule could and should still be applied at the discretion of the committee.
“Alas we were recently informed that despite their understanding and the strong case that we presented, the FA Alliance Committee would be recommending to the FA Council that the number of clubs for Steps 1 and 2 remain as they are for next season. The feedback we had was that by filling a vacancy at Step 1, a precedent would be set for filling vacancies at Step 2 and below, and given the lack of completed seasons at those levels it would be a difficult task in identifying which clubs were most deserving of filling those vacancies.
“We countered that whilst we appreciated and understood that position, as we were one of only three clubs relegated in the entire pyramid below the EFL last season and no relegation was effected from Steps 2 or below, that we would hope our colleagues at other clubs through the pyramid would have understood and supported the vacancy at Step 1 being filled under the rules.
“Despite our best endeavours we have once again fallen on the wrong side of a considered decision that had to be made for the entire pyramid. We appreciate the consideration and the very difficult task the League and FA have in pleasing everyone during these unprecedented disruptions and conditions that the pandemic has created, but we are so disappointed for our staff, players and most of all our supporters. They have accepted that one or two clubs had to be extremely unlucky last season to please the majority when finalising leagues but we are incredibly disappointed that we have not been able convince the FA Alliance Committee of the merit and inherent fairness of using the rules at hand to fill an obvious vacancy in the National League with the highest-ranked relegated club.
“Our final finishing position in a full season was third last on Points Per Game in the National League/Step 1 in 2019/20 and unfortunately we have not had the chance to win or fight our way to promotion in a null and void league in 2020/21. Emergency temporary rules have made obsolete the mandated method of filling the existing vacancy at Step 1 that would rightfully be ours under the rules as they stand in any other year.
“The leagues will now go forward for next season with 23 clubs in the National League, 22 in National League North and 21 in National League South and unless a substantial change of mind occurs at League or FA level in the next few weeks, we will focus on working hard on our campaign to return to Step 1 as soon as possible beginning next season.”
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Post by Stewart on May 12, 2021 19:48:00 GMT
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amberchoc
1st team Player
Blessed is the person who having nothing to say abstains from giving us wordy evidence of the fact.
Posts: 1,501 
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Post by amberchoc on May 14, 2021 16:43:19 GMT
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Post by sallycat on May 14, 2021 17:21:39 GMT
Torquay have already sold out for their final home game v Barnet. Not surprisingly really
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Post by Andy K on May 16, 2021 15:44:06 GMT
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Rambo
1st team Player
Posts: 1,688
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Post by Rambo on May 16, 2021 16:50:59 GMT
Soz Andy, but that link doesn't work
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Post by Stewart on May 16, 2021 17:50:31 GMT
Soz Andy, but that link doesn't work The NL Paper links never work🙁 below is the article. GRIMSBY TOWN say they have agreed with the EFL not to pursue a proposed rule change to avoid relegation to the National League. The Mariners and fellow relegated club Southend United put forward proposals to avoid the drop because the National League’s top flight isn’t having relegation. But BBC Humberside Sport have reported the club have stepped back. In a statement, the club said: “Grimsby Town has agreed with the EFL not to progress any proposed rule changes in connection with promotion/relegation between the EFL and the National League. “We take this opportunity to wish good luck for the rest of the season to the clubs challenging for promotion to League Two and look forward to participating in the National League in 2021-22, hopefully with the backing of all our respective fans returning to support us.” Meanwhile, the National League System allocations will be released this week as the FA press ahead with the restructure that will see an eighth division at Step 4 to create a ‘pure Pyramid’. In total, 20 clubs are set to be elevated from Step 5 to make the new division that will be administered by the Northern Premier League. Clubs from Steps 6 and 7 will also be pushed up as part of more than 100 elevations. |
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Post by Andy K on May 16, 2021 17:51:51 GMT
Soz Andy, but that link doesn't work Stupid non league football paper links. Basically Grimsby have withdrawn their protest on relegation. |
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Post by tenorclef on May 22, 2021 11:49:26 GMT
Intriguing game being covered by both BBC Radio Surrey and London today according to the BBC website: Aldershot Town v Burnley
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Post by brisfitboy on May 22, 2021 12:55:56 GMT
Well it begins with a B and ends with a ley, anyway they’re all in a tizwas over Bashir ain’t they!
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Post by tenorclef on May 22, 2021 14:15:24 GMT
First goal of the afternoon has been scored by Torquay...
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Post by VCLXI on May 22, 2021 14:43:32 GMT
Barnet nick one back!
This is going to be tense.
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