Pretty much what’s happened to Northampton. Same rules for everyone so hard luck. 4th and 5th could have the same points and so on. Sometimes it can be the difference between hitting the bar or the ball dropping an inch lower. It’s an inherent part of the sport but unless you’re the top side the line has to be drawn somewhere and it’s entirely arbitrary. Like, why is it different for League Two? Pretty sure that’s just a hangover from the old North and South third tiers. Bonkers. What really isn’t on is the Women’s division where you can finish top and not get promoted.
Am I remembering it correctly,didn’t the very first playoffs include third from bottom from the top division?
I think it was that for a few seasons. You probably remember it because it was us who came up against Charlton. How different the last thirty five years might have been had we bounced straight back at the first attempt.
Yes, bl**dy Charlton. I cannot believe it was back in the 80s !! I can always remember the PA at Selhurst park saying what a travesty it was that this was how it was being decided, I think he thought it was a good thing at the end of 90 minutes though !!
As it’s possible to be level on points with the team you’re playing (4th v 5th) or umpteen points different (3rd v 6th), why not a handicap system so for example, every 3 points you’re ahead of the team you’re playing, you get a goal start. It’s the turning of a league consisting of 46 games into a cup competition that I really don’t agree with
All these posts are fascinating and a good read, but its gonna all be academic. We will finish in top 2. Up we jolly well go. On no meds tonight!
Or as an alternative tweak.The playoffs are only triggered if the point gap between each successive team below third is less than 4 points (three points at the end of a 46 match season being a clear differential). So if 4th place is less than 4 points behind 3rd they play off, if 5th is less than 4 points behind 4th they playoff to face 3rd in a final and if 6th is less than 4 points behind 5th the existing playoff ties continue.That way you keep the “excitement” generated by the possibility of being involved in the playoffs but give a better incentive to finishing third,thoughts?
Personally, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I enjoy play off football and although we haven't got as good a record as most clubs in the play offs, they are usually an enjoyable watch for the neutral. I get the argument that it can be harsh on third place, but if we just promoted the top three, I think you'd find the excitement at the end of the season would be decreased with essentially a lot of dead rubbers. Third place tends to a noticeable difference in points, often because they're chasing the top two and if you're a team in fourth and fifth - and play offs have been secured - I'm sure there's a bit of complacency as players save themselves for the play offs.
One club doesn’t bother me - it will be ridiculously competitive next season. It could be any three from 12 and no doubt a surprise along the way.
