I also follow Bath City, but they don't look like ever coming close to the Conference now, after relegation in 1997. They're a lousy Dr Martens Premier side now (is it still called Dr Martens, and have they been relegated from that yet?)
Everything was re-jigged last season.They were in the DMPL, but basically the top half of them went to form the new Conference North and South, whereas the other half remained in the Southern League(previously sponsored by Doc Martens)
In effect, a new level has been slotted in between Tamworth and Bath.
I always wanted to get to Twerton Park.Maybe one day, if Tesco havent built on it soon..
I've been to Twerton Park a few times, but at the time it was to see Rovers play.
I know the structure changed, but I never really understood it. Beneath the Conference now, are there now two regional divisions? And then three regional divisions below those two?
They call them Conference North and South, then below them, the three older leagues, one for the north, one for the midlands and one for the south.Each of these then subdivides and it all gets confusing for the uninitiated!
I went to Aldershot last season for the play-off semi against Hereford, with a mate who's a big Hereford fan.
Whatever your loyalties, you have to spare a but of sympathy for Hereford last year. Finished in second place, a pointbehind Chester, but SEVENTEEN points ahead of the third team. Won their last 11 games. But then went out in a penalty shoot-out to Aldershot.
Yes, I know the rules are the rules, and they had to go into the play-offs but it seemed terribly unjust given that they were streets ahead of Barnet, Aldershot and Shrewsbury all season.
Hereford were by far the best team in the division last year.Much better than Hereford and light years better than Shrewsbury.
It wont be too long before the top two sides go up.Once the conference contains exclusively 'ex-league clubs', ie only a couple of years down the line, then they'll apply so much pressure to the League it'll happen.
The play-offs are generally a good thing for the Conference.Unless you lose in them, of course!
Yes I remember that about Hereford RunningCommentary. I felt really sorry for them. Their manager Graham Turner is an ex-Villa manager (although wasn't any good, but it doesn't mean I don't want him to do well wherever he goes).
My team (3rd in the PL) has never been involved in play-offs but I reckon they're good for footy, if not the heart. The play-off finals are far better than any crap the FA cup has thrown up in recent years (95 was good though!).
Couldn't give a monkey's who wins in the "match of the decade" (what complete bollix from Alcie Alex) as I know we won't be challenging either team come the spring. Or winter, probably. Shame to see Fulham and Birmingham having bad starts to the season though. Long may it continue.
I've been to a few play off games including and agree that they are generally a good thing (shame about Hereford last year though).
Seeing as the play off winners from the Championship generlly come straight back down. Wouldn't it be a good idea to have the play-off for the third premiership place being fought out between the 3rd, 4th and 5th in the championship and the forth spot going to the third from bottom team of the premiership?
Oh no. Speaking only as someone who's team has finished 4th from bottom! I think the format is OK and far better than they do in other sports (rugby union, in particular).
Comments
:-)
(btw, great game for us yesterday. If we can do that sort of performance week-in week-out I'll be a happy man all season!!!)
(if I were Saints or Brum watching Sky now, I'd be well p'd off though)
In effect, a new level has been slotted in between Tamworth and Bath.
I always wanted to get to Twerton Park.Maybe one day, if Tesco havent built on it soon..
I know the structure changed, but I never really understood it. Beneath the Conference now, are there now two regional divisions? And then three regional divisions below those two?
They call them Conference North and South, then below them, the three older leagues, one for the north, one for the midlands and one for the south.Each of these then subdivides and it all gets confusing for the uninitiated!
well, the conference top level.
if they got promoted, they'd be in the conference south.
then if they won that, the conference wth tamworth.
then if they won that, league two with bristol rovers.
Whatever your loyalties, you have to spare a but of sympathy for Hereford last year. Finished in second place, a pointbehind Chester, but SEVENTEEN points ahead of the third team. Won their last 11 games. But then went out in a penalty shoot-out to Aldershot.
Yes, I know the rules are the rules, and they had to go into the play-offs but it seemed terribly unjust given that they were streets ahead of Barnet, Aldershot and Shrewsbury all season.
But that's life.
It wont be too long before the top two sides go up.Once the conference contains exclusively 'ex-league clubs', ie only a couple of years down the line, then they'll apply so much pressure to the League it'll happen.
The play-offs are generally a good thing for the Conference.Unless you lose in them, of course!
Couldn't give a monkey's who wins in the "match of the decade" (what complete bollix from Alcie Alex) as I know we won't be challenging either team come the spring. Or winter, probably. Shame to see Fulham and Birmingham having bad starts to the season though. Long may it continue.
Seeing as the play off winners from the Championship generlly come straight back down. Wouldn't it be a good idea to have the play-off for the third premiership place being fought out between the 3rd, 4th and 5th in the championship and the forth spot going to the third from bottom team of the premiership?
Sppose decisions even themselves out over the season but those two (Ljunberg/Ferdinand & Rooney/Campbell) were howlers.
Shame Riley was a homer.