Conference plan play-off system

Champions, but no longer automatically promoted

The Nationwide Conference have announced plans to introduce a play-off system to decide promotion to Division Three.

The move is a response to the Football League's rejection of the two-up-two-down system of promotion and relegation at their Annual General Meeting on Saturday.

I believe we have taken a revolutionary step

John Moules

But the Conference, following their AGM, have announced new plans to decide the one and only promotion place.

As of next season the top team in the Conference will automatically progress into the play-off final with the second, third, fourth and fifth placed teams meeting in semi-finals and a final to determine the remaining place.

The Conference season will end early on 27 April to accommodate the extra games.

Conference chief executive John Moules said: "Having suffered the disappointment of the Football League AGM what we came here to do was to look at something positive.

"I think we've done that, not just for the Conference but for football in general at this level.

"We had a number of options and I believe we have taken a revolutionary step.

"It will not only make good television viewing but it places the Conference at the forefront of new ideas."