A brief summary of the recommendations are:

  • That a 1 – 2 – 3 – 6 – 12 structure be implemented
  • That the 6 divisions at Step 4 each have 20 clubs
  • That one of the divisions at Step 4 be Midland based
  • That the 12 leagues at Step 5 have a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 20 clubs
  • That approximately 32 clubs be elevated from Step 5 to Step 4
  • That as part of this restructure, the current Isthmian League Division 2 would cease to exist and that it’s member clubs be absorbed within the new structure although not necessarily at Step 4
  • That initially 2 clubs be relegated from the 6 Step 4 leagues to be replaced by the 12 Champion clubs from Step 5 (subject to meeting the required entry criteria)

The Committee undertook a consultation process with all leagues from Step 1 to 5/6 and with the 504 clubs down to Step 5.

Following concerns by Midlands-based clubs that they would be administered by the Northern Premier League, The Northern Premier League advised The FA Leagues Committee that, whilst they were fully supportive of the proposals, they had no intention to expand their boundary into the Midlands.

The Committee, therefore, agreed to work towards establishing a Midlands based administration for the new Step 4 competition.

The new proposals provide for 12 leagues at Step 5 and The FA Leagues Committee appreciate that more consultation with Step 5 leagues is still necessary.

Therefore, the implementation of the recommendations at Step 5 may not be fully introduced by 2006/2007, and further consultation will take place over the coming months.

With regard to club movements, it was agreed that:

  • Every effort be made to allocate no more than three clubs from any Step 5 league to Step 4
  • That normal relegation from Step 4 will take place at the end of season 2005/2006 and that these relegated clubs will only be considered to retain their place at Step 4 should there be insufficient clubs to move up.

It is important that this is made known in advance and adhered to.

A ranking list based on the points gained per game during season 2005/2006 will be compiled and used to determine clubs that may be saved from relegation.

With regard to clubs being elevated from Step 5, in order to be considered for movement, clubs must finish at least in the top three places in their respective competitions and meet the ground grading requirements of Grade E by 1 April 2006.

Click here for details of Grade E requirements

In certain cases, clubs finishing in 4th or 5th places may be considered as being eligible based upon geographical circumstances.

Summarising the recommendations, Mike Appleby said: “The Committee is very much of the opinion that, as we move forward and the structure becomes established, this proposal will be of great benefit to the clubs concerned, although it recognises that there remain issues to be resolved in certain areas.

“We continue to seek to work and consult with Leagues and Clubs at all levels of the National Leagues System, as we continue the restructuring of the old pyramid which we started on back in 2001.

“Since that time we have achieved two up-two down between The Conference National and Football League, raised standards, created more excitement through play offs, and delivered more consistent rules, regulations and ground grading requirements.

“The National League System is now fairer and equitable for clubs irrespective of their geographic position in the country and the principles that guided us at the beginning of this restructuring still remain, to only make changes if they bring long-term benefits for the game.“