AFC Telford boss Rob Smith backs new National League play-off plans
AFC Telford boss Rob Smith believes the new-look National League play-off format will help keep clubs interested at the business end of the season.
A vote was passed at Saturday's National League annual general meeting at Celtic Manor to increase the play-off members across the National League, National League North and National League South from four to six clubs.
That means, with the champions securing promotion automatically, teams finishing from second to seventh will battle it out for the coveted second promotion place.
The plans were given a mixed reception on social media but were ratified at the meeting.
Smith, who alongside deputy Larry Chambers guided the Bucks to a 3-1 play-off success over Witton Albion from step three in 2007, gave the plans his backing.
"It seems fair," said the New Bucks Head chief. "It keeps the interest going, that's the main thing with the play-offs and it draws a lot of eyes.
"And of course it would give seventh a chance. If you asked me if we can finish near seventh, I would snatch your hand off.
"But we are taking it one step at a time."
Teams that finish the season in second and third place will automatically qualify for the play-off semi-finals.
While fourth will host seventh and fifth will welcome sixth in a one-legged knockout tie, at the home of the higher-placed side, to determine the other semi-finalists.
Semi-finals will also be one-off at the home of the team that finished higher in their respective divisions.
The National League final will continue to be held at Wembley, while North and South promotion spots will be played for at the home of the club that accumulated the most points.
It was also confirmed at the AGM that fixtures for all three leagues will be released on Wednesday, July 5 at 1pm, while all fixtures will kick-off a month later on Saturday, August 5.
Telford will face relegated National League sides York City, Southport and North Ferriby United next term.
While Blyth Spartans and Spennymoor Town will also be part of the northern section of non-league's second tier after gaining promotion from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division.
