FL vote against play-off upheaval

Last updated : 05 June 2003 By Luke Thornhill
The controversial scheme would see six teams competing in the end of season promotion play-offs in each of the three Nationwide Leagues, meaning that the club who finishes ninth in the third division could win promotion.

Proposals to deduct points from clubs who fall into administration were also shelved, and the two schemes will now be considered at an Extraordinary General Meeting in September.

At today's AGM, held at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium, a number of minor new proposals were passed.

To gain promotion to the Football League from the Conference teams will now have to have a minimum stadium cpacity of 4,000 rather than 6,000.

Players contracts will also now state any salary changes for if the club is promoted or relegated.

FL chairman Brian Mawhinney said: "We can now take our eyes off the internal management of the League and concentrate on moving forward.

"We have the best second tier league in the world - with far higher gates than comparable leagues in France, Italy, Germany or Spain and we want to enhance our standing."