The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

There a great case for having a Midlands Division at Step 4 as is being mooted. However, the big problem is that quite a few Northern clubs at this level have had problems in the last couple of seasons which include Daventry Town and, of course Northern League clubs at Step 5 continue not to take promotion, apart from Darlington. Last season's NL champions, Bishop Auckland, remain at Step 5 for next season.

Trek wrote:There a great case for having a Midlands Division at Step 4 as is being mooted. However, the big problem is that quite a few Northern clubs at this level have had problems in the last couple of seasons which include Daventry Town and, of course Northern League clubs at Step 5 continue not to take promotion, apart from Darlington. Last season's NL champions, Bishop Auckland, remain at Step 5 for next season.

Bishop Auckland are the only Northern League side who DO want promotion, but unfortunately they finished 8th.

Sid wrote:
Bishop Auckland are the only Northern League side who DO want promotion, but unfortunately they finished 8th.

Thanks for clarifying that. I was relying on this document where the legend (in blue) had them 'declining promotion'.

Pretty much what has been mooted on here, it's a three fold problem, with clubs from the Northern League refusing promotion to the Northern Premier, a high concentration of clubs around London, and there being a tendency to reprieve the Ryman League clubs at Step 4.

The basis for the Ryman concentration is technically in place since they should be relegating six teams, in comparison to the Southern League and Northern Premier (four a piece), in theory causing the Ryman and Southern leagues to drift north.

With South Shield averaging 600 and in Northern Division One, hopefully means that's another club who will try to go for promotion alongside Bishop Auckland. If them plus a couple others go up, it might finally encourage a few more up, improving the balance at Step 4.

What a prospect, Blyth or Spennymoor away on a tuesday night in the League Cup!!

I only hope we get some southern teams in the draw for the FA Cup and Trophy.

Evesham's appeal regarding their switch to the NPL1S is to he heard on 21st June - which is after the league AGM, at which the various constitutions are due to be confirmed.

sussexdiamond wrote:What a prospect, Blyth or Spennymoor away on a tuesday night in the League Cup!!

I only hope we get some southern teams in the draw for the FA Cup and Trophy.

At least it seems to be as localised as the Southern League Cup if last season's early round draw is anything to go by. http://www.evostikleague.co.uk/integro-league-cup-25146

Formic wrote:Evesham's appeal regarding their switch to the NPL1S is to he heard on 21st June - which is after the league AGM, at which the various constitutions are due to be confirmed.

The hearing date has now been moved forward to 14th June, so at least someone has (belatedly) seen sense.

Evesham will find out at Midday today if their appeal has been successful. The result of that is unlikely to affect us but could possibly do so.

I happen to think the FA might attempt to accommodate their request to stay in the Southern League and might either run the NPLD1S a team short next season or look to promote another northern team to make up the numbers, similar to what happened with Winchester City in the SLD1S&W last season. Just a guess on my part though.

Stamford AFC's reprieve is overturned. They will now join us in Division 1 South.

Whoopee!