Step two merger league plans rejected

The season is officially over for Billy Heath's Reds. Photo: Jason Chadwick

On Friday the Football Association’s Alliance Committee rejected proposals for a National League North and South merger league.

After the season was declared null and void a number of step two sides launched the Let Us Play campaign and hoped a mini league would be allowed to be staged.

The Reds were not among the clubs campaigning for this, but would have been invited to take part if they wished.

"Consideration was given to an alternative sporting solution at step two in line with a proposal submitted by certain step two clubs that wished to continue playing,” an FA statement read.

"The Alliance Committee rejected the proposal, and any alternative, in the interest of the integrity of the National League System."

The committee also rubber stamped the recent vote by the National League’s member clubs.

National League clubs voted to play on why the North and South was made null and void by 24 votes to 19.

This means there will be no relegation from either level and no promotions from the North or South.

The National League will continue to be backed by Vanarama after agreeing a sponsorship extension.

The deal will see the company will continue as title sponsors through to the 2024-25 season.

Meanwhile, BT Sport will continue to provide coverage of the Vanarama National League over the next three seasons.

Since taking over title sponsorship of the National League in 2014, Vanarama has actively raised the profile of the League through innovative campaigns such as MANarama which helped raise more than £200k for Prostate Cancer UK.

During the Covid pandemic Vanarama set up a Covid support helpline for National League clubs - which includes Alfreton - and local businesses applying for any of the Government financial schemes.

Chairman of the National League, Brian Barwick, said: “We are delighted to continue our title sponsorship with Vanarama and thank them for their steadfast support during the past 12 months.

“This enhanced arrangement will take our partnership up to 11 years."