YOU CAN'T DODGE THE DROP

Relegated EFL duo’s bid rubbished by top bosses

- Matt Badcock

PROMOTION-HOPEFUL National League managers have told relegated pair Grimsby Town and Southend United the goalposts can’t be moved now.

The League Two duo have launched a last-ditch attempt to avoid dropping into Non-League with a proposal submitted to the EFL ahead of a meeting this week.

They are arguing relegation isn’t ‘fair’ because they claim the integrity of the National League is compromised with no clubs set to go down to Step 2, while Dover Athletic also stopped playing on financial grounds.

The NLP understands Grimsby, now under new ownership following the completion of a takeover in the week, wrote to their EFL representative in April expressing concerns about the situation and proposing no promotion or relegation between the EFL and Non-League’s top tier.

Southend chairman Ron Martin has this week also suggested an option of four relegation places next season with two National League clubs promoted as usual.