Nigel Clough has aired his concerns over the potential expansion of the current League One promotion play-off format.

This season, the Championship has introduced a new play-off system, which has expanded the qualifying positions by two places. This means six clubs outside of the top two automatic places will be in with a shot at promotion, rather than four.

EFL clubs voted in March to make the change and the 2026/27 season marks the start of its implementation. Promotion hopeful teams will now be fighting for a top eight finish, and those who finish third and fourth will automatically progress to the play-off semi-finals. As for those in fifth place down to eighth, they will battle it out in a one-legged eliminator round to determine who will progress to the usual two-legged semis.

League One representatives are now hoping to follow the Championship’s lead and have reportedly submitted a proposal to the EFL, with a decision expected to be made in due course.

Nigel Clough, Manager of Mansfield Town, looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Sheffield United and Mansfield Town at Bramall Lane on January 11, 2026 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Nigel Clough, Manager of Mansfield Town, looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Sheffield United and Mansfield Town at Bramall Lane on January 11, 2026 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The vision is to increase opportunities for clubs within League One, while also boosting fan interest after the regular season finishes.

There’s a lot of debate to be had around the topic of an expanded League One play-off competition, but Nigel Clough isn’t sold and doesn’t think it would have a positive impact on the division.

“I can see both sides of the argument, but no,” the Stags boss told Chad during his latest press conference. “I think there has to be some recognition that if a team finishes third and they do incredibly well, they might finish 20 points ahead of eighth and then get knocked out.

“There has to be more recognition for the 46 games that we play. I think the top eight takes it a little bit too far for me.”

Last season was a tight finish in League One, with just four points separating third from eighth. The battle for sixth went right down to the wire as Stevenage snubbed Luton Town and Plymouth Argyle, who came just one and two points short respectively.

However, not all seasons have been as competitive near the play-off spots. Just one year prior in the 2024/25 campaign, Stockport County finished third with 87 points, 19 ahead of Bolton in eighth. Sixth-placed Leyton Orient were also significantly ahead of Wanderers by 10 points.

After the Championship rolled out the new ‘top eight’ system, many supporters believe it is inevitable that League One and League Two will eventually follow suit. Do you think an extra two play-off spots would be beneficial for the league?