PLAY-OFF PLAN FOR STEPS 5&6

STE PLAY-OFFS are set to be introduced at Steps 5 and 6 from next season as The FA revealed details of promotion and relegation following the recent restructure.

- David Richardson

The new format will be implemented from the 2021-22 campaign and features more clubs at risk of going down.

The four champions of the Step 3 Trident Leagues will be promoted to National League North and South followed by the four play-off winners, as usual. Three teams in total will be relegated from the two Step 2 divisions.

The new structure means that FOUR teams will be relegated from the Northern Premier League, Isthmian League and Southern League top-flights into Step 4.

They will be replaced by the eight champions and eight playoff winners from that level with the new Northern Premier League Midlands division set for its debut season.

Step 4 clubs will also have to be looking over their shoulders, though, as up to FOUR clubs in each division are at risk of relegation.