What if..

[JFW]

An article on the NLP website is suggesting that Carlisle may be reprieved from relegation by the possible demise of Darlington. If that were to happen and Margate are demoted plus Telford not being able to prove that they can complete next season's fixtures, the Conference would be left with only 21 clubs. Would another club be promoted, or would the league have only 21 teams taking part?

[David Holden]

In the event of the Conference not having enough teams, then they are able to invite clubs to join to make up the numbers.

 

(Begin Speculation on who they would invite)

[Slartibartfast]

Well clearly it could only be Margate or Hucknall Town, whoevers ground comes closest to Conference standards.

 

[jc]

According to Football League rules, Carlisle wouldn't get a reprieve. If Darlington fell out of the league, the third division would just operate with one club short instead.

 

Post by hoagy on the confguide forum

[David Holden]

Quote:

Slartibartfast said:
Well clearly it could only be Margate or Hucknall Town, whoevers ground comes closest to Conference standards. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

It certainly wouldn't be anyone whose ground didn't qualify, on that route lies a lawsuit.

If it were to happen, and I take the above pot into account, it would really have to be one of Barrow, Weymouth or Sutton.

[FleetFanatic]

Quote:

jc said:
According to Football League rules, Carlisle wouldn't get a reprieve. If Darlington fell out of the league, the third division would just operate with one club short instead.

Post by hoagy on the confguide forum

I was under the impression that it might depend on when the club or clubs in question go bust - before the league's AGM & release of fixture lists & Carlisle and/or York get reprieved, after & the league simply play with less clubs & correct the position next summer?