Post by davep on Feb 13, 2022 9:10:10 GMT
Looking at the top three levels of the Non-league pyramid:
1. At least 10 clubs in contention to win promotion from the National League to EFL League 2 - either automatically or via the play offs. Suspect that whichever two make it, they are likely to be stronger than the two clubs going in the other direction.
2. Top of the National League North looks stronger than the top of the National League South - with Gateshead currently leading the way. Given that Gateshead has traditionally brought in loan signings from the big clubs in the North East, it will be interesting to see if they indirectly benefit from Newcastle United's new found wealth.
3. Some familiar faces in contention to be promoted to National League South including Worthing, Farnborough, Hayes, Enfield and Bishops Stortford. With the sensible re-structuring of the third tier of non-league football by creating a Southern League Premier South and Southern League Premier Central, clubs like Bishops Stortford are far less likely to again find themselves placed in the National League North should they win promotion. However, presume this means that 4 clubs will be relegated from each of National League North and National League South at the end of next season. Of course, if Sutton are promoted to EFL League One this season, their first target next season will probably be to avoid finishing in the bottom 4 (something that our near neighbours AFC Wimbledon seem to just about achieve, season after season). Recent history would suggest that a shade over 50 points would be needed to achieve that (both Oldham and Plymouth have been relegated from EFL League One to EFL League Two in recent seasons - both having obtained 50 points).
4. Incidentally, looking at the EFL League One Table for just 5 years ago, Bury, Chesterfield and Southend were all EFL League One clubs (Southend finished 7th in EFL League one that season).
1. At least 10 clubs in contention to win promotion from the National League to EFL League 2 - either automatically or via the play offs. Suspect that whichever two make it, they are likely to be stronger than the two clubs going in the other direction.
2. Top of the National League North looks stronger than the top of the National League South - with Gateshead currently leading the way. Given that Gateshead has traditionally brought in loan signings from the big clubs in the North East, it will be interesting to see if they indirectly benefit from Newcastle United's new found wealth.
3. Some familiar faces in contention to be promoted to National League South including Worthing, Farnborough, Hayes, Enfield and Bishops Stortford. With the sensible re-structuring of the third tier of non-league football by creating a Southern League Premier South and Southern League Premier Central, clubs like Bishops Stortford are far less likely to again find themselves placed in the National League North should they win promotion. However, presume this means that 4 clubs will be relegated from each of National League North and National League South at the end of next season. Of course, if Sutton are promoted to EFL League One this season, their first target next season will probably be to avoid finishing in the bottom 4 (something that our near neighbours AFC Wimbledon seem to just about achieve, season after season). Recent history would suggest that a shade over 50 points would be needed to achieve that (both Oldham and Plymouth have been relegated from EFL League One to EFL League Two in recent seasons - both having obtained 50 points).
4. Incidentally, looking at the EFL League One Table for just 5 years ago, Bury, Chesterfield and Southend were all EFL League One clubs (Southend finished 7th in EFL League one that season).