The exclusion of Gateshead from this season’s National League play-offs could have far-reaching implications for non-league’s top division heading into the future.
The Heed were denied entry after it emerged the club had failed to convince the EFL that the lease agreement with the local council was sufficient to allow them a place in the Football League should they have triumphed.
Under league rules, the EFL demand a minimum of ten years tenancy in place for clubs to have at any one stadium. With Gateshead Council only able to provide an assurance with the club but not on behalf of any new operator that is likely to come into play as stadium owner, the National League were forced to announce the expulsion of the North East side from taking part.
It came as a surprise to many, although Aldershot Town boss Tommy Widdrington alluded to an issue in his post-match interview on Saturday afternoon when the Shots missed out on the final spot by two points, but were told to be on standby.
However, under National League rules, an expelled club is not able to be replaced. Confusion then reined as the league first announced a bye for Solihull Moors, sending them straight to Barnet on Saturday in the first semi-final.
That announcement was soon deleted and replaced with fourth-placed Altrincham heading to Bromley whilst Solihull entertain FC Halifax on Wednesday for the right to face Barnet in the second semi-final. At best, it painted the National League in a farcical light. They would have been aware of the rejection by the EFL in good time but the season was allowed to play out in full before any notice was given.
It’s something the EFL won’t look favourably upon when the conversation turns to the debate for three up and three down between the two divisions. The National League are pushing hard for the extra promotion spot to be in place sooner rather than later.
Clubs lower down the pyramid in non-level must have their ground in order by 31st March the preceding year after promotion or face a two-division demotion. That’s not to suggest Gateshead should suffer a punishment anywhere near similar, there are two differing league setups.
At fault, firstly, are the local council. The lack of understanding in terms of the potential damage it does for the club, its standing within the community and the perception of the councillors themselves in the city.
The fault should lie secondly with the National League for not disclosing the information sooner which shouldn’t have resulted in the mess that occurred on Sunday afternoon, a league that wants to be known as a professional, elite outfit displaying anything but at that time.
For Gateshead, there is the small matter of potentially struggling to attract players over the summer should the matter of the lease not be resolved. If they are unable to gain promotion, then players will surely gravitate towards those who can fulfil their dreams.
Much of this was very avoidable as an outcome, it remains to be seen if there is any lasting damage from gaining that extra promotion space. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the EFL asking for or expecting more robust requirements for all National League clubs to be eligible for promotion at the beginning of every season.
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