2017/18 National League North

[Minstermen central]

I'm hoping Hereford land in the NLN? Never been for donkey's years.

I’m sorry but can’t get head round how Hereford can play in North,it’s virtually South Wales must be a 5 hour drive to Blyth.
Surely this would hamper Hereford progress as well,if they played in south Torquay would be a derby

 

[Habbinalan]

I think it must be done just by latitude - based on the Lowestoft case a few years back.

I’m sorry but can’t get head round how Hereford can play in North,it’s virtually South Wales must be a 5 hour drive to Blyth.
Surely this would hamper Hereford progress as well,if they played in south Torquay would be a derby

Nope. It's always a committee decision that is based mainly on geography but can consider anything they judge relevant. They can also move clubs who are not involved in promotion and relegation.

......In coming to its decision the committee will have regard to any representations made by any party, the distance to be travelled by any Club to be moved compared to the distance travelled in the Playing Season prior to movement; the financial impact on the Club to be moved, the frequency with which the Club has been moved in the past; the number of Clubs both in the division to which the Club is to be moved and in the division from which the Club is moved, and any other matter that it considers to be relevant.

It looks like the unofficial "Border Country" for decisions is moving north.

 

[ForzaCounty]

I’m sorry but can’t get head round how Hereford can play in North,it’s virtually South Wales must be a 5 hour drive to Blyth.
Surely this would hamper Hereford progress as well,if they played in south Torquay would be a derby

Previous years have seen Gloucester and Oxford City here too

 

[DarkSithLord]

Previous years have seen Gloucester and Oxford City here too

And even Bishop Stortford!

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

Jansen is looking a popular choice with some Carlisle fans for our job (he was one of the most skillfull players we’ve had) so for Jansen there could be a football league job at end of these play offs if he can see them promoted

 

[LondonOrn]

I’m sorry but can’t get head round how Hereford can play in North,it’s virtually South Wales must be a 5 hour drive to Blyth.
Surely this would hamper Hereford progress as well,if they played in south Torquay would be a derby

A 500-mile round trip a derby? In that case whether Hereford played in the North or the South, every game apart from Truro (if they don't go up) and Blyth would be a derby.

 

[AnimoEtFide]

Looking forward to tomorrow night. I don't have particularly high expectations so am just going to enjoy it. I have us zero chance of reaching the play offs a few weeks ago, so this is just a pleasant surprise to me. My feeling is that we may just squeeze past Chorley, but it's very unlikely we'd get past Harrogate. Our best chance would be nicking a goal and holding on heroically for the win. However we're too weak at the back to pull that off. Even during our winning streak we were still managing to concede several sloppy goals against sides much weaker than Harrogate et al.

When we won the League Two play offs 10 years ago I never doubted we'd go up. I even remember feeling quite relaxed when we went 1 down in the final. This time round feels like the polar opposite - I'm so convinced we can't do it that I'm just going to enjoy it. However, I feel pretty confident we'll be a better side next season and, if we don't do it this season, we can do it next season.

 

[Minstermen central]

A 500-mile round trip a derby? In that case whether Hereford played in the North or the South, every game apart from Truro (if they don't go up) and Blyth would be a derby.

Sorry forgive my ignorance I didn’trealise it was that far,also didn’t realise who are even in south,maybe should of used Bath,Weston super mare,Chippenham & Gloucester

 

[Soup Ladle]

Looking forward to tomorrow night. I don't have particularly high expectations so am just going to enjoy it. I have us zero chance of reaching the play offs a few weeks ago, so this is just a pleasant surprise to me. My feeling is that we may just squeeze past Chorley, but it's very unlikely we'd get past Harrogate. Our best chance would be nicking a goal and holding on heroically for the win. However we're too weak at the back to pull that off. Even during our winning streak we were still managing to concede several sloppy goals against sides much weaker than Harrogate et al.

When we won the League Two play offs 10 years ago I never doubted we'd go up. I even remember feeling quite relaxed when we went 1 down in the final. This time round feels like the polar opposite - I'm so convinced we can't do it that I'm just going to enjoy it. However, I feel pretty confident we'll be a better side next season and, if we don't do it this season, we can do it next season.

If you went up, how do you think you’d do in the National?

 

[LondonOrn]

Sorry forgive my ignorance I didn’trealise it was that far,also didn’t realise who are even in south,maybe should of used Bath,Weston super mare,Chippenham & Gloucester

That's all right, it's easy to forget just how big and spacious the west country is, for instance Hereford is 90 miles from Yeovil, Exeter is 75 miles from Bristol, and even their team's rivals Plymouth are over 40 miles away (having said that, I've never understood why Exeter are rivals with Plymouth and not Torquay, because the places are much closer together and the clubs have a much more similar history to each other).

 

[ForzaCounty]

If you went up, how do you think you’d do in the National?

Warburton and Minihan are good enough to play there right now; Oswell's a natural goalscorer but still quite raw, another season developing and he'll be quality IMO. In fact there's a good half dozen who I think should be very good with another year of development under the current set-up - Ball, Winter, Duxbury, Cowan... Stephenson should be a more senior play but blows hot & cold too much. Would need to basically re-make the defence from scratch, Clarke & Smalley have been shown to be far too limited all season long. Kicking aside, Hinchliffe is an excellent stopper.

So overall there's only 10 or so who I'd keep if the miraculous happened... then again, I'd feel the same even if we stayed put.

 

[Harrier94]

Get a bet on that DarkSithLord

 

[DarkSithLord]

Get a bet on that DarkSithLord

View attachment 8240

Where is that from?!

 

[Harrier94]

Where is that from?!

https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/non-league/national-league-north/promotion

 

[B2TF]

Looking forward to tomorrow night. I don't have particularly high expectations so am just going to enjoy it. I have us zero chance of reaching the play offs a few weeks ago, so this is just a pleasant surprise to me. My feeling is that we may just squeeze past Chorley, but it's very unlikely we'd get past Harrogate. Our best chance would be nicking a goal and holding on heroically for the win. However we're too weak at the back to pull that off. Even during our winning streak we were still managing to concede several sloppy goals against sides much weaker than Harrogate et al.

When we won the League Two play offs 10 years ago I never doubted we'd go up. I even remember feeling quite relaxed when we went 1 down in the final. This time round feels like the polar opposite - I'm so convinced we can't do it that I'm just going to enjoy it. However, I feel pretty confident we'll be a better side next season and, if we don't do it this season, we can do it next season.

Relax! You'll walk the play-offs. This is a situation where the innate self belief of the Great & Historic Football League Clubs kicks in. Are you really gonna let Chorley get the better of you in a play-off game? Or Harrogate? Or Brackley/Bradford P A/Kidderminster? No way, my money's on you guys.

 

[AnimoEtFide]

Get a bet on that DarkSithLord

View attachment 8240

That would be one hell of an AGM Cup.

 

[Tafkat]

He's wrong I'm sure.
A weekend in Brackley.... once you've exhausted the delights of erm... Tescos, the artificial lake etc did a weekend seem a long time.

It wasn't too bad. Few ok pubs at the top end of town.

 

[Darlo On Tour]

And even Bishop Stortford!

And even Worcester City who played their matches at the Victoria Ground, home to Bromsgrove Sporting.

 

[Darlo On Tour]

https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/non-league/national-league-north/promotion

Clueless when it comes to non-league football.

 

[E10rifle]

That's all right, it's easy to forget just how big and spacious the west country is, for instance Hereford is 90 miles from Yeovil, Exeter is 75 miles from Bristol, and even their team's rivals Plymouth are over 40 miles away (having said that, I've never understood why Exeter are rivals with Plymouth and not Torquay, because the places are much closer together and the clubs have a much more similar history to each other).

I think it’s because Plymouth are twats and Torquay & Exeter aren’t.

 

[from the far east]

To you kiddie fans beware ||B|P||A||Since |Bower became manager 16 months ago they have accumulated over 100 league points and the away record is incredible.T|hey have not lost away to any of the top five this season.|They have some big time players and i did predict a play off spot for them before a ball was kicked see my earlier posts.|They are not average.||B|y the way the betting in asia is 1 nil |:Kidderminster.If you win you have my best wishes for the next 2 games because |I think you are geared for a higher league.|A|message for big dave.|Please remember both |Bradford and Chorley have battled against full time sides and fully deserve to be where they are.||Other than that I enjoy your posts ps my keyboard is fu..ed

 

[DarkSithLord]

Been pretty much confirmed that Chris Moyses have been offered the Alfreton job for next season. Seems he has really enjoyed it and is highly likely to accept the offer with just the final few details to be ratified.

He has done well to keep us up with a poor squad by a previous manager given too much reign to chuck a good budget on largely a heap of rubbish.

Ok with that. Not totally convinced but He has earnt the chance to be able to bring his own players in.
He clealry has worked hard and clearly cares which is more than can be said for McDermott.

Still not conviced by how far Chris can actually take us. One things for sure though the club cannot afford to have another season of struggle particulary at home. We have done ok away with home under Chris but the fare served up at home has been woeful and its beginning to harm the gates/interest with the Supporters assoication running at a loss for the first time in many years.

Another fascinating but crucial summer ahead. Needs to be a major squad overhaul again with basically a brand new frontline/ midfield

 

[Harrier94]

Doesn't look like Alan Alger liked me pointing out the oddschecker mistake

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

message for big dave.|Please remember both |Bradford and Chorley have battled against full time sides and fully deserve to be where they are.||Other than that I enjoy your posts ps my keyboard is fu..ed

Im not slating either club and if they win the 3 games that is way it goes, but my personal view is 7 teams for play offs is far too many for a 22 team league and has been highlighted by a ridiculous battle for 7th where teams tried their hardest on almost a daily basis to lose to as many of the crappest conf north sides as they could all while clinging onto a supposed play off spot.

If Chorley or BPA do get up fair play to them as it requires 3 away wins vs stronger sides.

But I’d rather a 4 team play off, even if this set up gives Curzon a chance

 

[ForzaCounty]

The team that gets 7th would have to win three consecutive away games, though. Whereas the team in 2nd only has to win two home games.

I like the system. It gives hope to mid-table teams towards the end of the season, but success is still unlikely.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Released Retained List are starting to be announced

Gainsbrough

Offered Terms:​

Ashley Worsfold
Alex Simmons
Ioan Evans
Liam King
Shane Clarke
Nicky Walker
Nathan Stainfield
Jordan Richards

Released:​

Ellis Storey
Josh Lacey
Curtis Bateson
Charlie Gatter
Nathan Jarman
Thomas Davie
Micheal Jacklin



Boston United


Under contract for 2018/19 - Brad Abbott, Ryan Qualter, Jon Stewart and Andi Thanoj.

Offered terms - Stephen Brogan, James Clifton, Ashley Hemmings, Jordan Keane, Jay Rollins, Jonathan Wafula and George Willis.

Released - Wes Atkinson, Liam Adams, Brad Beatson, Jack Broadhead, Taron Hare, Benny Igiehon, Brad McGowan, Jamie McGuire, Gregg Smith, Kabongo Tshimanga, Harry Vince, Tyrell Waite and Jan Yeomans.

 

[DarkSithLord]

Very interesting to see that Boston have released Brad McGowan. He was seen at the Impact a few weeks ago at our game v Nuneaton. Would have him back tomorrow. Wes atkinson is another surprise, Hasnt he been on loan at Solihull? He was impressive for us last seen. Tshimanga another that I am sure will not struggle to get a club at this level

On the flip side. Never rated Stephen Brogan and Jon Stewart is very error prone.

How had Mc Gowan done Josh Butler?

Seems he has tweeted to say he still hasnt recovered from that freak injury in December and may miss a portion of next season with his recovery. Maybe why he was released?

 

[Lucky Bobble]

Nope. It's always a committee decision that is based mainly on geography but can consider anything they judge relevant. They can also move clubs who are not involved in promotion and relegation.

......In coming to its decision the committee will have regard to any representations made by any party, the distance to be travelled by any Club to be moved compared to the distance travelled in the Playing Season prior to movement; the financial impact on the Club to be moved, the frequency with which the Club has been moved in the past; the number of Clubs both in the division to which the Club is to be moved and in the division from which the Club is moved, and any other matter that it considers to be relevant.

It looks like the unofficial "Border Country" for decisions is moving north.

View attachment 8238

Once again either I bathe woefully in my own ignorance, else this knowledge is too esoteric. Either way, would be immensely peeved should a bunch of men in suits around a table decide that it is in Hereford's best interests to be South because of the geography, and not in Brackley's given it's location. We'd be within an hour's journey or so of at least half a dozen Conf South sides and only journey's to Kent and Cornwall would rack up anywhere near the miles we do on average currently I'd guess.

Not that I don't like Conf North - it is a purely selfish issue based on the fact I think it would boost our chances of promotion... if Conf South was the stronger league, I'd be hoping they pushed Hereford in to it. Also - think the rules should be totally clear and equal for all - not based on the opinions of a committee who are fundamentally unaccountable.

 

[from the far east]

TO all supporters i am worried that the current trend suggests that any part time team can only win promotion via the play offs.A 42 game season favours the full timers who have recovery time and big playing budgets.But I am waiting for one or more to enter administration.Could it be York City

 

[AnimoEtFide]

If you went up, how do you think you’d do in the National?

Pretty much as Forza said above. We have a few that could step up no problem (Oswell, Warburton, Hinchliffe, etc). Another group who have improved considerably this season but have been too inconsistent to properly judge whether they're ready for a higher level (Ball, Winter, Cowans, Duxbury etc). And yes, a whole new defence.

We're also moving to a hybrid part/full-time system next season. However not very much has been said about what this will look like and what the budget will be to fund it. How being in a higher division would affect this I don't know.