National League set to change league format for 24/25 season

As reported by the Athletic, the National League are set to begin a new cup competition which would include the top 16 clubs in the fifth tier taking on the top 16 clubs of the under-21’s Premier League.

As a result, York City may be exempt from the competition after ending last season’s National League campaign in 20th position.

Due to promotion for Chesterfield and one of Solihull Moors and Bromley, who play one another in the play-off final on Sunday, May 5 (3pm), it is believed that Forest Green Rovers and Sutton United, both relegated from Sky Bet League Two, will be involved.

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Out of last season’s teams, only Ebbsfleet United and York, who both confirmed survival on the final day, will not be involved within the competition, as well as the four promoted teams.

Those promoted teams include Tamworth and Yeovil Town, who both celebrated winning the titles within the Vanarama National League North and South, and one of Worthing or Braintree Town, both in the National League South play-off final, and Boston United or Brackley Town, both in the National League North play-off final.

The National League North play-off final takes place on Saturday, May 4 (3.30pm) and the National League South play-off final takes place on Monday, May 6 (3pm).

The competition will be split into four groups of eight, before progressing into a knockout competition similar to the EFL Trophy, which takes place between Sky Bet League One and Two clubs as well as under-21’s Premier League sides.

Other proposed changes suggest that from next season onwards, seven substitutions would be allowed on the bench, an increase on the previous five, and that any substitutions can now be made during any stoppage rather than by a three stoppage rule.

This also includes a similar format to the EFL, in that five of the seven substitutes can be used, benefitting a side like York who are fortunate enough to have a larger squad.

Reports are also suggesting that Boxing Day and New Year’s Day fixtures against the same clubs will now be changed to Good Friday and Easter Monday matches.

This means that City will play the same team on Boxing Day and Good Friday, and then the same team on New Year’s Day and Easter Monday, rather than the original festive fixtures of playing the same opponent on both Boxing Day and New Year's Day.