Page 8 - Deal Round Up February 2020

Matlock Town have had their ground broken into for the third time in three months.
They certainly aren’t the only Non-League club to suffer at the hands of mindless thieves.
It is soul destroying for the hard-working volunteers that put in all the hours they can to their
club only to have to clear up the mess.
Unfortunately many Non-League clubs and grounds are soft targets. Often tucked away
and with alcohol and other stock, or the prospect of cash left inside – they are an appealing
proposition. Clubs no doubt have insurance but the costs of additional security only add an
extra burden.

Your Non League Moment Of The Decade By Edd Paul
Over recent weeks at NLP Towers, we’ve been reminiscing about the last ten years in Non-
League football and picked out some of the most significant moments and their protagonists.
You may have seen the features in the paper and there were plenty of tough calls among
those we just had to get in.
But it quickly dawned on us that it’s an almost impossible task. When we put the question
out on social media the responses came flooding in.
From favourite goals to individual matches, cup wins and title triumphs
– the list went on and on.
In many ways the variety of replies shows just how vast Non-League
football is, and how much so many different clubs mean to people.
While sometimes we may question standing in the cold on a wet
December night, when those big moments come along it makes it all
worthwhile.
Of course, the debate is subjective. That is also what makes this
game so much fun to watch and care about. The discussions that
fill a car ride home from an away game or are had over a pint in the
bar after a game.
The last ten years have gone by in the blink of an eye. The very landscape of Non-League
football has changed since the decade began.
Clubs have risen through the Pyramid, others have sadly slipped off the map altogether.
There are new play-off formats in the National League’s three divisions and there are even
play-offs at Step 5. We’ve also seen the introduction of new divisions at Steps 3 and 4 – with
the latter to get another – taking the level to eight – next year.
The make-up of Step 5 and 6 will also be changing. Without a crystal ball it’s impossible to
know exactly how Non-League will look in another ten years.
There will surely be plenty of differences and there are issues the game needs to collectively
address in the near future. Will the EFL accept three-up, three-down? Will their clubs want
to allow the use of artificial surfaces? Will there be rule changes to ensure the sustainability
of clubs?
Time will tell, but at the heart of it, football fans will hopefully still be enjoying those special,
and very personal, moments.
So let’s hear your moment, manager and player of the decade – email us at nlp@
greenwayspublishing.co.uk or tweet us @NonLeaguePaper and your answer may be featured
in the paper!

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