The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

There have been rumours for years that the FA intend to introduce a fourth (Midland) division at step 3, to run alongside the NPL,SLP and Isthmian Premier. These. it appears have more substance now and it is likely to commence in 2017. Initially it is probable that all these divisions will run with 20 clubs each, so a total of 80 at step 3 rather than the current 72. They could of course achieve this by reprieves, but hopefully they will decide on extra promotions instead. Of course this is all speculation at the moment, but it would certainly make more sense to have four divisions rather than three feeding into the Conference North and South.

Makes sense to me. Will probably move the Northern boundary up a bit, and will encourage more Northern League clubs to think about applying for promotion to Step 4. Likelihood that this will firmly place us in the Midlands section I would imagine.