Page 10 - The Deal Round Up - May 2019

club like Aldershot Town are now relegated to the National League South with another big
club in Torquay United being promoted back to the National League just emphasises the point
and is recognition that the F.A. should be congratulated on their re-structuring programme.
However now that the clubs facing the drop have been decided, glancing at the bottom of
the National League table a rather interesting piece of information soon emerges. All four
relegated clubs are based towards the south of the country. On any normal occasion, you
would expect anyone from Braintree, Maidstone, Aldershot, Havant & Waterlooville, Dover,
Barnet, Boreham Wood and Maidenhead to drop down to the National League South if they
suffered relegation.
This throws up a potential logistical nightmare for the National League as it now appears
highly likely that some serious re-structuring of teams in the North and South will be needed
over the summer. Teams such as Hemel Hempstead, Oxford City, Gloucester City could there-
fore be in for a nervous wait because as things stand they may be the victims of a restructure.
Of course, there is not a huge amount that can really be done about this as both leagues need
to contain 22 teams but you have got to spare a thought for a southern based team that ends
up getting moved into the National League North.
Travel costs will be much higher, while the long journeys to places such as Blyth and York
would certainly take their toll on the players. It is an unfortunate situation but that is the
nature of filtering a nationwide division into two distinct regional blocs.

The Bowling Green
Tavern
Bowling Green Lane,
Deal
01304 370299
Function Room
Available For Parties,
Celebrations & Wakes
We Welcome Customers Old & New
To Our Totally Re-Furbished Pub/Restaurant
Food Available From 12 noon till 9pm Monday To Saturday
Main Menu & Specials Board Daily
Sunday Roast & Main Menu 12 noon till 8pm
Try Our Burgers & Kebabs To Take Away
Bar Snacks Available - Real Ale And Fine Wines
Children’s Garden And Play Area

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