thought i'd start this ( as most seem to have accepted our fate), so that we could keep up to date with the goings on in the Non League hell that awaits

can be both on the pitch and off the pitch stuff.

On the pitch Sutton are looking good for the automatic promotion place, as Torquay implode due to their horrendous injury list. Wouldn't be unhappy to see that as Torquay is always a fun weekend away and Sutton is just horrible to get to

Off the field various clubs are in danger of getting themselves into a pickle financially .We've heard about Kings Lynn and Wealdstone becoming worried, whilst Halifax were forced into taking out a loan. The latest is Borehamwood, who seemed to be 1 of the better run outfits, but even they have got big problems

https://www.borehamwoodfootballclub.co.uk/uncategorized/sport-england-say-no/

the other issue worth keeping an eye on is the possibility of  Tier 2 national League, made up of the 18-20 clubs at that level who want to play on. That means there may still be some  clubs relegated from the Nnational League

https://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/no-north-south-divide-here-eastbourne-keen-on-new-combined-national-league-division-3154538

In these uncertain tmes i wouldnt look too far ahead in anything football related. Whilst football in the top 5 tiers may limp over the line this season ....i still dont see next season being a great improvement , really cant see full houses being allowed by August so i would think next season may even be a challenge for some teams.

Quoted from moosey_club

In these uncertain tmes i wouldnt look too far ahead in anything football related. Whilst football in the top 5 tiers may limp over the line this season ....i still dont see next season being a great improvement , really cant see full houses being allowed by August so i would think next season may even be a challenge for some teams.

Sounds harsh but any team (aside from the ones who voted void) now only have themselves to blame for any financial hardship and they’ll have to live with those consequences. No sympathy from me.

Would rather see Sutton stay in the NL. They’re about 5 minutes from my house!

Quoted from moosey_club

In these uncertain tmes i wouldnt look too far ahead in anything football related. Whilst football in the top 5 tiers may limp over the line this season ....i still dont see next season being a great improvement , really cant see full houses being allowed by August so i would think next season may even be a challenge for some teams.

I agree, I know the NL are continuing at the moment but if there is another covid explosion next season and fans are barred from attending matches they may well end up voiding next season which would be a nightmare for us should we go down as we would be condemned to at least another season there.

Quoted from arryarryarry

I agree, I know the NL are continuing at the moment but if there is another covid explosion next season and fans are barred from attending matches they may well end up voiding next season which would be a nightmare for us should we go down as we would be condemned to at least another season there.

difficult to see another covid explosion/lockdown when 95-99% of the u.k. adults will be fully vaccinated and plans are already in hand for an autumn/winter booster jab.
They are already planning for half capacity events in the summer ( the 4000 limit mentioned would, i'm sure, be sufficient for us in the short term)

Quoted from forza ivano

The latest is Borehamwood, who seemed to be 1 of the better run outfits, but even they have got big problems

https://www.borehamwoodfootballclub.co.uk/uncategorized/sport-england-say-no/

That is one heck of a slap in the face for Boreham Wood. They seem to be being penalised for being a well run club!

Quoted from forza ivano

the other issue worth keeping an eye on is the possibility of  Tier 2 national League, made up of the 18-20 clubs at that level who want to play on. That means there may still be some  clubs relegated from the National League

https://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/no-north-south-divide-here-eastbourne-keen-on-new-combined-national-league-division-3154538

I'm also not entirely sure how they can start a new 18-club "National League 2" at this stage of the season without compromising the National League's sporting integrity.

(Though arguably, with the nonsense that has been this season, they have already lost their integrity!)

Quelle surprise Boreham Wood, they've got themselves in a right pickle there. I've got little sympathy unfortunately as they had the opportunity to void the season and limit their debt and didn't take it. Given that they'd already been stitched up it's a case of Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice...

It's just a horrible mess in general.

The National League has a duty to look after and protect its member clubs. It just doesn't feel like they're doing that. They wrote their own get-out clause by putting it to a vote, so they can shift the blame and responsibility onto those clubs who voted to continue the season.

If it all goes mammaries up and a couple of clubs go bust, well, ain't nothing to do with us, gov. It was their decision, not ours.

There's been no responsibility or leadership from the National League board at any point. It was probably them who cocked up in the first place and failed to gain clarity on what form the money would arrive (loans or grants) although, where this government is involved, I don't want to absolve them of the blame either.

Quoted from forza ivano

thought i'd start this ( as most seem to have accepted our fate), so that we could keep up to date with the goings on in the Non League hell that awaits

can be both on the pitch and off the pitch stuff.

On the pitch Sutton are looking good for the automatic promotion place, as Torquay implode due to their horrendous injury list. Wouldn't be unhappy to see that as Torquay is always a fun weekend away and Sutton is just horrible to get to

Off the field various clubs are in danger of getting themselves into a pickle financially .We've heard about Kings Lynn and Wealdstone becoming worried, whilst Halifax were forced into taking out a loan. The latest is Borehamwood, who seemed to be 1 of the better run outfits, but even they have got big problems

https://www.borehamwoodfootballclub.co.uk/uncategorized/sport-england-say-no/

the other issue worth keeping an eye on is the possibility of  Tier 2 national League, made up of the 18-20 clubs at that level who want to play on. That means there may still be some  clubs relegated from the Nnational League

https://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/sport/football/no-north-south-divide-here-eastbourne-keen-on-new-combined-national-league-division-3154538

You what?

West Sutton station is right next to the ground and is on the Thameslink Sutton Loop. So you can get direct trains from Bedford, Elstree & Borehamwood & St Pancras International (2 minute walk from Kings Cross).

Makes it about the easiest ground in Greater London to get to.

Quoted Text

It now feels that those assurances were perhaps only given to ensure we supported the continuation of the National League at Step 1.

No excrement.  The ex-league clubs have had the smaller clubs over a barrel to ensure their promotion hopes are maintained, cheered on by their fans on Twitter who still seem to be paranoid that the likes of Grimsby and Southend are going to try to legally intervene.  Last I heard they were all clamouring to see the likes of Dover punished to dissuade others from refusing to play.  Just shows what a bloodbath that league is: clubs desperate to escape, others on the brink of destruction.  Can't wait to go back. (ermm)

Quoted from Mikey_345

Would rather see Sutton stay in the NL. They’re about 5 minutes from my house!

I’m with you on this mikey. Direct bus for me. Hell it’s even walkable - bit of a hike but I walked home from near Gander Green Lane recently. Can be back quickly after the match for fish and chips at Salt n Vinegar in New Malden then over the road to the Watchman. Just a shame the Korean karaoke bar has been demolished, so no ‘after hours’ drinking.

Unless we stay up by some miracle.

Weymouth donate like what's happened

https://nonleaguedaily.com/weymouth-chairman-white-concerned-over-integrity-of-competition/

We'll only be down for a year anyway, we'll piss that tinpot league.

Quoted from Abdul19

We'll only be down for a year anyway, we'll piss that tinpot league.

I'll have a drink of what your on

Quoted from Abdul19

We'll only be down for a year anyway, we'll piss that tinpot league.

If the consortium deal goes through and we get the budget, could be interesting.

Although it's Grimsby, we'd be lucky with a mid-table finish 😂

Quoted from DB

I'll have a drink of what your on

From past experience reading Abdul’s posts it will be Tongue in cheek DB

Quoted from RichMariner

It's just a horrible mess in general.

The National League has a duty to look after and protect its member clubs. It just doesn't feel like they're doing that. They wrote their own get-out clause by putting it to a vote, so they can shift the blame and responsibility onto those clubs who voted to continue the season.

If it all goes mammaries up and a couple of clubs go bust, well, ain't nothing to do with us, gov. It was their decision, not ours.

There's been no responsibility or leadership from the National League board at any point. It was probably them who cocked up in the first place and failed to gain clarity on what form the money would arrive (loans or grants) although, where this government is involved, I don't want to absolve them of the blame either.

Seems to be a trait in England. Offer a carrot; get the desired outcome them remove the carrot.

Just like the Tories did with Brexit.

But who's to blame?

The outcome with Dover will be interesting. According to their Chairman the NL broke their own rules by getting clubs to put themselves into debt.

Their is also the integrity of the league when it is suggested that some clubs may furlough the 1st team and put out youth/unpaid players in teams just to fulfil fixtures.

Depending upon the wording of the NL rules I think any club, be it Town, Barrow or Southend would have s good legal case to stay in league 2.

bump!

Sutton now 2 points clear at the top with games in hand

Vanarama extend their sponsorship deal for another 3 years

2 not unexpected managerial casualties today - Jimmy Shan at Solihull following their 5-0 home defeat to Stockport and Tim Flowers at Barnet after their 5th successive defeat

Not relevant to us
We will still be l2 next year....

Just my bloody luck if Sutton make it to the League as Town go down.

Quoted from forza ivano

bump!

Sutton now 2 points clear at the top with games in hand

Vanarama extend their sponsorship deal for another 3 years

2 not unexpected managerial casualties today - Jimmy Shan at Solihull following their 5-0 home defeat to Stockport and Tim Flowers at Barnet after their 5th successive defeat

So how the hell does Hurst get away with it

Quoted from forza ivano

bump!

Sutton now 2 points clear at the top with games in hand

Vanarama extend their sponsorship deal for another 3 years

2 not unexpected managerial casualties today - Jimmy Shan at Solihull following their 5-0 home defeat to Stockport and Tim Flowers at Barnet after their 5th successive defeat

Who went first? Wouldn't be surprised to see Flowers back at Solihull.

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Not relevant to us
We will still be l2 next year....

Can’t believe you got red crosses for that!

Quoted from IlkleyMariner
Not relevant to us
We will still be l2 next year....


Can’t believe you got red crosses for that!

Trust me you can get a red cross for anything, even for supporting Town

The National league, is as strong now as it has ever been. A team struggling in Div 2 of The Football League will find life tough in the league below. Anyone who thinks it will be easy to simply bounce back up, because of our history, will be in for a shock. We all know how hard it was last time. Well let me tell you having watched that level of football a fair bit over the last few years, it aint got any less competitive. A "good" National league team would be comfortable mid table Div 2. Just a heads up about next year, it won't be easy. UTM

A sad sad day for me when my local non league team become a football league team and my ‘real’ team become non league again

Quoted from sutton mariner

A sad sad day for me when my local non league team become a football league team and my ‘real’ team become non league again

Don’t think it’s going to happen, but is concerning that we are getting more southern teams in the league whilst losing northern and midlands clubs.

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Don’t think it’s going to happen, but is concerning that we are getting more southern teams in the league whilst losing northern and midlands clubs.

Isn't that inevitable though? When football started many southern towns would look down on football (and rugby league), preferring rugger and cricket. Nowadays it's pretty much the most popular sport in 95% of towns.

Football has expanded along with the population, that's why we need 4 divisions in the Football League.

If Sutton get into the league it will be the first-ever club in Surrey (although technically I think it's in Greater London now).

Quoted from Shipwrecked In Gainsborough

The National league, is as strong now as it has ever been. A team struggling in Div 2 of The Football League will find life tough in the league below. Anyone who thinks it will be easy to simply bounce back up, because of our history, will be in for a shock. We all know how hard it was last time. Well let me tell you having watched that level of football a fair bit over the last few years, it aint got any less competitive. A "good" National league team would be comfortable mid table Div 2. Just a heads up about next year, it won't be easy. UTM

I agree, you just have to look at all the ex league teams are in it. Chesterfield, Notts Cty, Hartlepool, Yeovil, Torquay, Stockport, Wrexham, Aldershot, Barnet, Halifax and Dagenham under other guises.

Only 2 are going up and Sutton seem to be favourite, so probably one ex league team leaves loads of them.

If we go down then I agree with others that it will just not be a case of turning up and winning in the conference. For a start, how many of this years players, and I believe our game numbers is something like 45/46 players used, are better then most of the conference players. Also it’s a fair bet that Hurst will still be in charge, well it took him 5 years last time.  

Stockport were very confident that they would get out of the NL this season and have been a little bit surprised at the scrap they're having to get a play off place.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

Stockport were very confident that they would get out of the NL this season and have been a little bit surprised at the scrap they're having to get a play off place.

The problem is that with only one automatic promotion place, if a club spends big (like Crawley, Fleetwood, and Luton did in different seasons while we were down there), the best you can hope for is a scramble for the play offs. And as we saw, the play offs can be a bit of a lottery or decided by dubious refereeing decisions.

There are now so many decent sized former EFL clubs down there that getting out is far from easy. If we go down this season there is no telling how long it will take to escape.

We might spend big Ron.  8)

We just need Jason to tell us his plans when the takeover goes through.

I think one of the only positives is that the vast majority of those 40 odd players are out of contract. A couple, yes will probably have to be paid up to get them off the books but hopefully we will be looking at a full scale rebuild, and a clean slate.

You’d think that a lot of the teams in the NL will be skint next season and will have the extra expense of paying the debt that they’ve pretty much all saddled themselves with to finish this season which will give us an advantage. Hopefully we’ll escape but if we don’t the new owners will be looking for a quick return to the league and give us a more than competitive budget.

Quoted from louth_in_the_south

You’d think that a lot of the teams in the NL will be skint next season and will have the extra expense of paying the debt that they’ve pretty much all saddled themselves with to finish this season which will give us an advantage. Hopefully we’ll escape but if we don’t the new owners will be looking for a quick return to the league and give us a more than competitive budget.

And don't we also get parachute payments too? With that, the possibility of the Dembele money coming in, proper investment from new owners and not being saddled with loans that the other clubs are burdened with, if the worst is to happen at least we'd be in a decent position to rebuild and have a proper go at coming straight back. Still hoping for a miracle and that this situation doesn't materialise.

Quoted from GrimRob

Isn't that inevitable though? When football started many southern towns would look down on football (and rugby league), preferring rugger and cricket. Nowadays it's pretty much the most popular sport in 95% of towns.

Football has expanded along with the population, that's why we need 4 divisions in the Football League.

If Sutton get into the league it will be the first-ever club in Surrey (although technically I think it's in Greater London now).

I remember an article in WSC over 30 years ago about how geographically skewed League football was. It pointed out the size of MK and the lack of a League club there. IIRC it also mentioned Crawley, a growing new town that could support a football team. Sadly prophetic article.

Just imagine if we get relegated and then have a decent budget and no debt like most of the NL clubs will have as is being stated by some, we could have a season somewhere near the top of the league and maybe makes the playoffs! Imagine how much fun that’ll be compared to this season........ well it’s one way of looking at it if the worst happens.......UTM!! We’re staying up!!!

I remember winning at Crawley in our first game of 2010/11, although the performance wasn't great, and then we lost 2-1 at home to Hayes & Yeading.

I think we all turned up thinking this tiny team with about 30 fans in the corner of the Osmond would be blown away even by our average side, because we're Grimsby Town.

The reality, of course, was that their players were on par with ours. There comes a point when players on £250 a week are just as good as the fallen players who still command four or five times as much.

Connell was the only player in our squad that season who was better than non-league. Everyone else was bang average, and it makes me wonder how low down the league we'd have finished had it not been for his goals.

I keep thinking about York. They got back into the league before we did, started to look to the future and their new ground, but totally took their eye off the ball regarding the team. They slid back out of the league and kept sliding to NLN. They lasted 4 seasons back in the EFL, escaped a relegation battle once, but not the second time. They are still in the NLN.

If we drop out of the league, we cannot afford to get marooned down there. Chuck money at it because it will cost more in the long run if we don't get out sharpish.

[quote=316]I remember winning at Crawley in our first game of 2010/11, although the performance wasn't great, and then we lost 2-1 at home to Hayes & Yeading.


I remember the winning goal in the Hayes & Yeading game, from a slightly portly midfield player who clearly had more ability than commitment, which was a left foot screamer from 30 yards into the top corner and still remains one of the better goals I have seen in my 55 years of visiting BP.

Doesn’t matter how much you try to flower it up , the NL is utter excrement to be in

Quoted from ginnywings

I keep thinking about York. They got back into the league before we did, started to look to the future and their new ground, but totally took their eye off the ball regarding the team. They slid back out of the league and kept sliding to NLN. They lasted 4 seasons back in the EFL, escaped a relegation battle once, but not the second time. They are still in the NLN.

If we drop out of the league, we cannot afford to get marooned down there. Chuck money at it because it will cost more in the long run if we don't get out sharpish.

I agree. And if money is chucked at it then I hope the fans are responsive. It's not the new consortiums fault we're down there and the club is in a mess. If they do their bit, we need to do ours and turn up in numbers. I wouldn't blame people for not doing given the last 20 years of crap we've had to endure under Fenty but if we're to have a bright future it requires the stakeholders in the club coming together.

There was a trend, a little while back, when teams that got promoted into the EFL would last five seasons before they got relegated back into non-league.

From a quick look, Kidderminster, Rushden & Diamonds, Boston, Chester, Hereford, Aldershot and Torquay all got relegated to the National League exactly five seasons after they were promoted into the EFL, since the turn of the millennium. Many were what you'd call 'traditional' non-league clubs.

This is our fifth season since getting back into the EFL.

Quoted from RichMariner

There was a trend, a little while back, when teams that got promoted into the EFL would last five seasons before they got relegated back into non-league.

From a quick look, Kidderminster, Rushden & Diamonds, Boston, Chester, Hereford, Aldershot and Torquay all got relegated to the National League exactly five seasons after they were promoted into the EFL, since the turn of the millennium. Many were what you'd call 'traditional' non-league clubs.

This is our fifth season since getting back into the EFL.

Take your point but there are many clubs that didn't - Accrington, Burton, AFC Wimbledon, Bristol Rovers and Barnet who have had 2 periods in the league of 10 and 8 years.

Quoted from RichMariner

There was a trend, a little while back, when teams that got promoted into the EFL would last five seasons before they got relegated back into non-league.

From a quick look, Kidderminster, Rushden & Diamonds, Boston, Chester, Hereford, Aldershot and Torquay all got relegated to the National League exactly five seasons after they were promoted into the EFL, since the turn of the millennium. Many were what you'd call 'traditional' non-league clubs.

This is our fifth season since getting back into the EFL.

Reads like doom and gloom. Maths say we're not down. Staying up

UTM

https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/fa-alliance-committee-statement-national-league-re-65290

EFL should now step in and make a similar decision. No incentive for lower half NL teams who could now feasibly furlough players.

clutching at straws.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/fa-alliance-committee-statement-national-league-re-65290

EFL should now step in and make a similar decision. No incentive for lower half NL teams who could now feasibly furlough players.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/fa-alliance-committee-statement-national-league-re-65290

EFL should now step in and make a similar decision. No incentive for lower half NL teams who could now feasibly furlough players.

I did read, but cannot remember which club, that a NL club was considering taking out the loan as they considered the repayments were reasonable. They then were considering to furlough their 1st team and continue matches with juniors and freebies to fulfil the fixture list. The loan funds would then used to bolster their bank balance for a promotion push next season.

This highlights what the NL is all about.

Quoted from DB

I did read, but cannot remember which club, that a NL club was considering taking out the loan as they considered the repayments were reasonable. They then were considering to furlough their 1st team and continue matches with juniors and freebies to fulfil the fixture list. The loan funds would then used to bolster their bank balance for a promotion push next season.

This highlights what the NL is all about.

It's a shame we are heading straight for it.

The FA have rejected the plans by the rebel Step 2 sides to have a mini league, so we are still no clearer as to what will happen to Dover & relegation in general.
It sounds like some other clubs are waiting to see what happens to Dover before they decide on what to do for the rest of the season playing and financial wise
In the league Sutton continue to pull away with the Poolies and Torquay both dropping points, they're now 4 clear with games in hand.
The play off positions are occupied by a bevy of strong ex Football League clubs

Any club in trouble willl have my sympathy if only for the fans of those clubs.

Quoted from forza ivano

The FA have rejected the plans by the rebel Step 2 sides to have a mini league, so we are still no clearer as to what will happen to Dover & relegation in general.
It sounds like some other clubs are waiting to see what happens to Dover before they decide on what to do for the rest of the season playing and financial wise
In the league Sutton continue to pull away with the Poolies and Torquay both dropping points, they're now 4 clear with games in hand.
The play off positions are occupied by a bevy of strong ex Football League clubs

You do wonder what will happen if anything to Dover. Feb 13th they made their announcement and reasons why, quoting NL league rules. We know the NL board are a load of prats but you could rightfully assume that they would have a solution by now.

Perhaps they are delaying their decision in the hope other clubs don't follow Dovers route.

If Sutton get promotion will they want to rip up their artificial pitch?
I'm grasping at straws now.

Quoted from Heswall Mariner

If Sutton get promotion will they want to rip up their artificial pitch?
I'm grasping at straws now.

You are grasping at straws, because Harrogate ripped up theirs.

We need to focus on staying up
Nothing else matters

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

We need to focus on staying up
Nothing else matters

Who's the 'we' Ilkley? I'm sure the management ,staff and players will be doing just that.
As fans we have absolutely zero impact.
All this bollox about positive vibes is just that, bollox.
If we were there ,then yes i'd agree, but all we can do is suffer in silence and accept our fate

Disagree.
Lots of negative stuff from fans is unhelpful

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Disagree.
Lots of negative stuff from fans is unhelpful

Unhelpful in what way?

What ever the fans say or have said have had no impact whatsoever on the way this club has been appallingly run, by either Fenty or the crap managers he has employed.

We are heading for a return to the National League because of that not because of the fans.

It pisses me off when people try to blame the fans.

Quoted from arryarryarry

Unhelpful in what way?

What ever the fans say or have said have had no impact whatsoever on the way this club has been appallingly run, by either Fenty or the crap managers he has employed.

We are heading for a return to the National League because of that not because of the fans.

It pisses me off when people try to blame the fans.

I'm with you arry. What is negative about paying your £10 every week to watch a load off half heart players underperform.

Quoted from arryarryarry

Unhelpful in what way?

What ever the fans say or have said have had no impact whatsoever on the way this club has been appallingly run, by either Fenty or the crap managers he has employed.

We are heading for a return to the National League because of that not because of the fans.

It pisses me off when people try to blame the fans.

might disagree with you most of the times arry, but you're spot on with this one, and particularly this season where we have had zero input, apart from the fund raising, the season tickets for nothing and us buying ifollow in our hundreds (i.e. as we have for so much of the last 16 years, supporting the club with bigger numbers and more enthusiasm than they deserve)

last nights results saw Sutton strengthen their hold on the automatic promotion place as they won and the 2 main challengers (Torquay and Hartlepool) dropped more points

Dover's fate will be determined by an independent panel. Vibes seem to be that they won't be relegated (so that's a really shiite trip to look forward to !) but most likely will start next season with a points deduction

just a quick update.
Off the field it increasingly looks like there won't be any National League relegation this year.  This has allowed Wealdstone to try and further cut their costs
https://www.wealdstone-fc.com/post/update-from-the-board-of-directors
interesting that they say a number of other clubs are trying to get loans

on the park Sutton continue on their merry way to promotion with a 4 point lead and games in hand, after beating near neighbours and play off hopefuls Bromley in a tricky looking away match

A league has no integrity with promotion but no relegation. A team could get promoted having played far weaker sides than another team due to cost cutting. Not for me

Maybe our new owners have a final trick up their sleeves? I’m sure they’re well versed in the ways of expensive legal teams in their business lives . By the sounds of it the NL board don’t have a pot to urine in and will probably be reliant upon good old leagle aid ....

Neil Ardley sacked by Counteh, despite being 6th and only losing 2 of their last 16.

Bromley now sack their manager, 7th in the league. Total excrement or bust season now for many conference clubs persisting to carry on for that small chance. Gamble quite likely to pay off for Sutton, but not 15 or so others.

Chester has been turned down for a loan as they have sufficient funds to finish the season. So you have to wonder about the clubs that want to furlough their first-team players and save, the cash from a loan, for next season.


https://nonleaguedaily.com/chester-confirm-funding-application-turned-down/

Chesterfield announce they've got a loan of just under £1 million to get them through the season

You do have to wonder what this loan business is all about, after all, it is the taxpayers' money that is being doled out. Football clubs at the end of the day are a business like any other including the self-employed.

I find it hard to believe that Chester, who to all accounts, who have looked after themselves doesn't get a loan. You then have Chesterfield who gets £1 million to last them to the end of the season! Kings Lynn has raised cash themselves and Dover has shut up shop till next season because they don't want any debt.

We have various scenarios but the club that has gone gung ho gets a loan. So the lesson for clubs in this league, in the future, is don't be prudent with money.

I’ve said it before but if/when we do go down, there’s going to be some extremely skint opposition next season

Quoted from pontoonlew

I’ve said it before but if/when we do go down, there’s going to be some extremely skint opposition next season

Chesterfield are about to bank £1 million quid, in theory, to finish the season. They are looking good for the playoffs, but what happens if it all goes belly up and they hit a losing streak. Playoffs not going to happen so they have the remains of the million.

Do they furlough the first team and keep the money for next season or return it? Then you have other teams who have no chance of promotion and no relegation doing the same, furlough as many as you can and save the cash.

It's all a complete and utter mess, and what about Dover. If the NL had a cast-iron case against them the NL would have dealt with them by now. What about the points situation with Dover? The mess continues led by an inept board.

Quoted from MarinerDevil

https://twitter.com/Ollie_Bayliss/status/1375492764058673155?s=19

I wonder which pompous male private heads thought that fining a team who have no money the right thing to do.

Will be interesting to see what the offence was exactly under the rules that allows them to be fined £40k......would imagine an appeal will be forthcoming.

Quoted from moosey_club

Will be interesting to see what the offence was exactly under the rules that allows them to be fined £40k......would imagine an appeal will be forthcoming.

[tweet]1375493072256180225[/tweet]

So that’s a points deduction already for next season, if that also happens to a few other clubs, if town do get relegated then could be top 6 without playing a game.

Quoted from bawarmy

I wonder which pompous male private heads thought that fining a team who have no money the right thing to do.

Disgraceful... I suspect there will be some pending legal action...

I would imagine they have gone hard on Dover to dissuade any other club following Dover's approach...

I just can't see how you can force a club to take on debt, especially as it goes against their own rules about being solvent... :-/

Quoted from MarshMariner

Disgraceful... I suspect there will be some pending legal action...

I would imagine they have gone hard on Dover to dissuade any other club following Dover's approach...

I just can't see how you can force a club to take on debt, especially as it goes against their own rules about being solvent... :-/

Integrity is a joke in this league. Stick your head in the sand, run up debts and play at all costs is ok. Be sensible and live within your means is punished.

Quoted from MarshMariner

Disgraceful... I suspect there will be some pending legal action...

I would imagine they have gone hard on Dover to dissuade any other club following Dover's approach...

I just can't see how you can force a club to take on debt, especially as it goes against their own rules about being solvent... :-/

Taking out a loan does not make you insolvent.

Quoted from pen penfras

Taking out a loan does not make you insolvent.

According to the powers at NL it does. No loan and you get a fine and points deduction!

Quoted from DB

According to the powers at NL it does. No loan and you get a fine and points deduction!

Where has anybody said that taking out a loan is insolvent? It's a misconception on here from something the Dover chairman said.

Quoted from pen penfras

Taking out a loan does not make you insolvent.

Your correct it doesn't.. but taking out a loan with no income or means to pay it potentially leads to it.. :)

Quoted from MarshMariner

Your correct it doesn't.. but taking out a loan with no income or means to pay it potentially leads to it.. :)

Loans eh...nowt but trouble. 😜

Quoted from pen penfras

Quoted from DB


According to the powers at NL it does. No loan and you get a fine and points deduction!


Where has anybody said that taking out a loan is insolvent? It's a misconception on here from something the Dover chairman said.

I think you somewhat missed DB’s point PP - he’s saying that Dover refused to take out a loan which would have enabled them to play, as a consequence of which the NL have fined them and deducted points which may well lead them into insolvency

National league clubs are considering whether to bring a vote of no confidence against the league’s board following decision to fine Dover £40,000 and 12 points deduction for 21/22 season for ending their season early.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56549165

Quoted from Geordie Mariner

National league clubs are considering whether to bring a vote of no confidence against the league’s board following decision to fine Dover £40,000 and 12 points deduction for 21/22 season for ending their season early.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56549165

But as that article says, other clubs in The National League support Dover's punishment. Many clubs have found completing their fixtures almost impossible financially but only Dover have failed to fulfil their fixtures. It's been a hard, horrible time for every club at that level but I think it only fair that Dover be punished although probably with a reduced fine but full twelve point deduction next season.

Quite feasible that many clubs will back the VONC but for very different reasons.  ;D

Very nice of the panel to note Dover are trying to comply with laws and rules but still fine them.

Also acknowledged in the current climate that £60k fine was excessive so dropped it to £40k.  ;D

Really cant see how any of the above could actually stick lawfully given the basis seems to be that just because the other clubs decided or felt bullied to continue, potentially break their own league rules by losing money leaving Dover facing punishment for following the rules.

As Dover had submitted their books the panel obviously either felt that Dover were completely trying it on and would have completed the season fully solvent without further loans....or .........just ignored that they could be insolvent but as everybody else has took that path they should too.

Save making a new thread, although I'd rather us stay up ii have potentially a couple of nice away days within 90mins of me.. Torquay and Weymouth! Also Yeovil which is 40mins..
It kind of feels strange thinking we may be playing Weymouth in the league! :(

Horrible I know, but let's hope Dover are kicked out of the league. That would hopefully mean a 91st placed finish would keep our EFL status. Also eyes towards Kings Lynn who are said to be struggling badly.

What an absolute disgrace it has come to this.

Quoted from fishboyUTM

Horrible I know, but let's hope Dover are kicked out of the league. That would hopefully mean a 91st placed finish would keep our EFL status. Also eyes towards Kings Lynn who are said to be struggling badly.

What an absolute disgrace it has come to this.

No it wouldn’t. That would give them less teams not too many... meaning there’s still two places to fill from relegation.

Quoted from Mikey_345

No it wouldn’t. That would give them less teams not too many... meaning there’s still two places to fill from relegation.

I'm desperate here. Christ on a bike.

Quoted from fishboyUTM

I'm desperate here. Christ on a bike.

Just accept it fishboy, it's easier that way.


We are getting relegated and there is no reprieve. Fecking Stevenage got one last season, but we won't.

When we start in the NL next season it's not going to be a walkover back to the EFL as many hope for. Notts Cty. are 3 games and 15 points behind Sutton and have just lost a cup semi-final to Isthmian League side Hornchurch. I would have thought that County would have had a reasonable budget for promotion which means the size of the budget isn't everything. Their change of manager certainly did not help the cup match result nor is a change of manager at other NL clubs helping.

The top 10 (excluding Sutton) and Maidenhead will all think that they have a chance of promotion, which is probably why so many wanted the season to carry on, regardless of finances. This just shows that the competition in this league every match is going to be tough. Take out Kings Lynn, Weymouth, and Wealdstone and every other club will think they are in with a chance of beating Town.

Don't forget either that come next season we will have a new team, be it with some of this season's team retained. A preseason should happen in some sort of form but from this year's January experience it will take a few weeks for a team to gel.

It's going to be a long 44 games and anywhere in the top 7 will be good. Promotion back to the EFL will be possible but Hurst will have to find some talent from somewhere.

So we're 4 points closer to safety than this time last week with a game in hand on 2 teams in the mix and yet some believe its already over. I really hope the players have more belief than some fans with 9 games left to go. Theres plenty of fight left in this team so maybe the power of positive thinking should take preference over all the doom and gloomers.
If you think its all over then stop posting negative crap and go play golf or something and let the rest of us live in hope (it never killed anyone over football by the way).
We WILL stay up this season!!

Quoted from StaffsMariner

So we're 4 points closer to safety than this time last week with a game in hand on 2 teams in the mix and yet some believe its already over. I really hope the players have more belief than some fans with 9 games left to go. Theres plenty of fight left in this team so maybe the power of positive thinking should take preference over all the doom and gloomers.
If you think its all over then stop posting negative crap and go play golf or something and let the rest of us live in hope (it never killed anyone over football by the way).
We WILL stay up this season!!

My friend if you would care to take your blinkers off you would find in reading the many posts that some described me as Mr. Positive. The reason is that when all seemed lost I still maintained a positive optimism outlook while others doubted. If you look at my match predictions, always a win and it will be against Salford and every game until the end of the season.

If you would care to look at the statistics you will see a different picture. Points lost to all around us, inept performance on the pitch, 11 man defence and no attack. I saw a team fight against Barrow, I saw a team with a spirit score against Walsall and then I didn't see one thing that anybody could call fighting spirit, intentions but no passing ability and nothing to open up a team that had come for a draw.

If you care to look at a post I did you will see I mention that we will be playing Cheltenham, Bolton, Exeter, Cambridge, and Morecombe all viewing for top spot and promotion. Salford have a new manager which, apart from Town, usually gives a team a bounce.

2 points out of those 6 games, 3 if we're lucky and how I would like to be wrong. That leaves 3 games and 9 points if we win, lets not forget we are not good at scoring goals. That's 12 points and if the others lose and get no points then we might stay up.

We've gone into the last chance saloon, opened the trap door and have fallen in. The fat lady has trouble with her vocal cords, as we are left dangling on a thin thread of hope.

Hope my friend is all we have because everything else has gone.

Another twist in the tale of a board and its members:-

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56567072

It looks like Dover are taking legal action against the NL. They say they will not pay the £40K fine as it was at the NL's insistence the league program started with a promise of grants, followed by more grants not loans. Surely no team from the EFL can be relegated into this shambolic situation.


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56550910

Chester are backing the no-confidence vote of the NL board.

https://nonleaguedaily.com/chester-back-national-league-board-no-confidence-motion/

According to this report, in NonLeaguedaily.com, Brian Barwick is going to resign as chairman of the NL.

"Matt Lawton at The Times is reporting the apparently imminent departure of the former FA chief executive.

The National League board have come under widespread criticism over the past year for their handling of the ongoing uncertainty for clubs, with the absence of further grant funding in recent months, which clubs believed was forthcoming when agreeing to commence the season, an especially huge factor.

A number of clubs have signalled their intention to issue a vote of no confidence in the board."

Barwick and his cohorts have caused no end of problems in the NL and then jumps ship before he has to face the music. Bullying clubs into a financial mess with debts lasting years, misleading clubs over govt. grants and then hasn't got the guts to stand and defend himself.

The NL is an absolute shambles and I sincerely hope we don't end up in such a quagmire.

BUMP-
The vote of no confidence in the NLBoard takes another step forward
https://twitter.com/Ollie_Bayliss/status/1382251191770480642

seems that not all clubs have been that badly affected , with Altrincham announcing their first ever professional manager, with Phil Parkinson and his assistant going full time

Meanwhile the promotion race has suddenly got alittle more interesting with Torquay having beaten Sutton last night, who have suddenly got the jitters, having been well clear and cruising. Now haven't won in their last 4 games, whilst Torquay have won their last 4. Hartlepool now lead by a point, but Sutton have 3 games in hand and Torquay 2.
The 'big boys' fill the other play off places (Stockport, Notts, Chesterfield and Wrexham)

Quoted from forza ivano

BUMP-
The vote of no confidence in the NLBoard takes another step forward
https://twitter.com/Ollie_Bayliss/status/1382251191770480642

seems that not all clubs have been that badly affected , with Altrincham announcing their first ever professional manager, with Phil Parkinson and his assistant going full time

Meanwhile the promotion race has suddenly got alittle more interesting with Torquay having beaten Sutton last night, who have suddenly got the jitters, having been well clear and cruising. Now haven't won in their last 4 games, whilst Torquay have won their last 4. Hartlepool now lead by a point, but Sutton have 3 games in hand and Torquay 2.
The 'big boys' fill the other play off places (Stockport, Notts, Chesterfield and Wrexham)

If Hartlepool go up and we go down, the numpties will be back on here giving it some.

Will we become their feeder club again?

Be a travesty if Green, Rose, Scannell all decided to head up the A19 for next season...

Another problem has just hit the NL. This is a nationality one between England and Wales, as the Welsh Sports survival fund has just given Wrexham a £100K grant. The reason being the UK govt didn't. English clubs had to apply for a loan, so Wrexham has been given a financial advantage with the £100k being a grant.

It just proves once again what a mess the NL is when nationality takes place over what is supposed to be a level playing field.


https://nonleaguedaily.com/wrexham-receive-100k-grant/

Quoted from DB

Another problem has just hit the NL. This is a nationality one between England and Wales, as the Welsh Sports survival fund has just given Wrexham a £100K grant. The reason being the UK govt didn't. English clubs had to apply for a loan, so Wrexham has been given a financial advantage with the £100k being a grant.

It just proves once again what a mess the NL is when nationality takes place over what is supposed to be a level playing field.


https://nonleaguedaily.com/wrexham-receive-100k-grant/

Wrexham got nothing earlier in the season when the NL received grants for the first 3 months of the season. So if anything this has just evened out that.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Wrexham got nothing earlier in the season when the NL received grants for the first 3 months of the season. So if anything this has just evened out that.

Surely it should be up to the NL to sort things out and not national govts.

Wrexham abstained from the voting as they are not under the auspices of the English FA.

all getting very interesting following Sutton's defeat last night as they continue their poor run of form. Torquay & Poolies are locked together at the top with Torquay having a vital game in hand. They lie in first and third in the form table as well, just to make it a bit more interesting.
Stockport look to have too much to do to catch the top 2 , but look secure for a play off place.
After that perm any from 7 (i've included Maidenhead who are 7 points behind Wrexam ,but have 3 games in hand) Chesterfield and County (hahaha) must be fretting as they're both in the middle of bad runs

Dover think they have a good case against the NL for their appeal, having employed a Queen's Counsel to present their case. They expect the appeal to take place end of June so time will tell.


http://www.doverathletic.com/news/chairmans-update/

I wonder what would happen if they won their case, fine overturned but what about the league positions. A court victory might mean that Dover are correct about the financial running of the league then should all results be null and void. Just a thought.