Chairmen threaten legal action

Nationwide Conference bosses are going into battle with the Football Association in an attempt to introduce play-offs at the end of the season.

Following the rejection of a two-up, two-down system earlier this summer, the Conference decided to go it alone by launching its own scheme.

Under the plan, the Conference champion would play the winner of a four-club play-off to decide the one and only promotion place in order to make end-of-season fixtures more meaningful.

But that, too, was vetoed and Conference chairmen have now threatened to sue for over £1m in damages if they are blocked from going ahead.

Frightened

The defiant stand has been masterminded by Doncaster's John Ryan who says the FA could be served with a writ for loss of earnings if the veto is ratified next month.

"The FA can't be allowed to get away with this," said Ryan.

"They seem frightened of the big clubs and do nothing to help the smaller ones. Well, now we're fighting back."

Conference chief executive John Moules said the Conference would start its season on Saturday on the understanding that the championship would be decided after a play-off.

"All we are doing is confirming the wishes of our clubs for something that affects no-one else apart from them," he said.

An FA spokesman said: "The Conference has been given reasons why it is not in the best interests of football for their champion not to be automatically promoted."

"Besides, not all the Conference are in favour of play-offs."

But the Football League have confirmed they would be happy to welcome the Conference's 'Champion Club', should the FA ratify the play-off scheme.

Communications executive Ian Christon said: "If a team were being recognised as the Conference champions by winning their play-offs, then we would take the Conference champions."