THE plug is to be pulled on controversial plans to have the National League North and South play-off finals on the same day at the same venue, The NLP understands.
Clubs were last month asked for their observations about a double header similar to the successful FA Trophy and FA Vase Non-League Finals Day at Wembley last year.
That afternoon at the national stadium was hailed as a great success with over 46,000 watching the two finals, including nearly 20,000 from re-formed Hereford for their Vase final against Morpeth Town.
But fears were growing that an alike showpiece for the Step 2 division’s end-of-season promotion shoot-out could turn into a damp squib.
Non-starter
The selected venue, Milton Keynes, came in for criticism with stadium:mk’s 30,000 capacity leaving many concerned about empty seats should some of the league’s smaller clubs make the play-off finals.
But plans are also on the brink of being shelved because of the time constraints placed on the competition. A source said: “It looks like a non-starter. There’s a fair amount of opposition to it, but it’s not been ruled out for future years. In principle, it’s a fair idea but a mixture of time issues and clubs being unsure of the benefits of having both games in one ground miles from anyone will delay it until next season, if ever suggested again.”
The National League could lose money on the game with a poor crowd – that loss would hit finalists hard in the pocket with large sell-out crowds watching recent finals.
But the biggest sticking point is said to be the loss of home advantage in the final for the team who finishes higher in the table.
Appetite
Last month, Hampton & Richmond chairman Steve McPherson said that format change was his club’s main reason to veto the plans.
He said: “The structure isn’t broken, so they shouldn’t try and fix it. I understand why the National League want a showpiece final, but the way it works now should be applauded.
“Under these plans to play the final at a neutral venue, there will be no advantage to finishing second. It’s a home and away leg so fifth place has the same chance as say second or third.
“How many people do they think they would get in Milton Keynes for a final? It’s nearly two hours away from us and if we won through against three of the others in the top five currently then the crowd will be 3,500 maximum. There isn’t an appetite to travel far.”
