Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

After the 39th game and introducing B teams into the league here is the latest idea....5 divisions of 20 teams.


Crackpot idea or common sense? You decide.


http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Revealed ... story.html

I like it. I think.

Gives Newcastle an extra division to fall down into

https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... xtra-teams

The expansion of the Football League is inevitable in a sense because the Conference National is almost a full time division, bar a handful of clubs. Question is how do you go about it?

I agree with what Mark Lawn says. Lower league clubs can't afford to lose four income streams and the financial gulf between Championship and League One was around £4.25 Million before the new TV rights kick in. Also the idea of a winter break is mad, fans need football during the depths of mid-winter to keep occupied.

As for compensation, I'm not sure whether it's financially viable. Say on average a League 1/2 club generates £100k on a matchday, you're looking at £4.8 Million per round of fixtures (multiply by 4) equals £19.2 Million. Then there is central payment compensation for the four additional relegated Championship clubs (£18 Million+) and extra central payments for the 8 promoted Conference clubs (£300k per club = £2.4 Million) plus youth team funding. In all that is a good £40 Million to put down in the first year alone, I believe the TV rights for The Football League per annum is something between £70-£100 Million so it would have to take a serious increase in revenue to make it work.

Good idea i think.

I like the idea of it. though when implemented it would mean no promotion and a few more relegation's.

I don't like change!

I like it. My fear is Wycombe going down into non league, so this way will help us avoid that.

If they get rid of the Championship I'd be happy.

Go back to divs one to whatever.

I'm not in favour what is being proposed, a five tier league of 20 is effectively a proposal for Premier League 2. I'd rather address more pressing matters, which is the financial disparity between Championship and League 2 and how parachute/solidarity payments are distributed.

Nothing wrong with the current league system in place, it has produced some competitive seasons in recent years and midweek matches under the lights makes for a unique atmosphere.