In the initial season, definitely, but after that unless they have a decent infrastructure, they remain as league 2 strugglers….. Sutton, Harrogate (who are having a better year this time), Forest Green (after 1 promotion season), now struggling, Salford, Tranmere…Should be four up, given how the teams who get promoted don't seem to struggle. The crowds in the Conference are pretty decent too.
Tranmere were promoted back to the league in 2018 and have also been in L1 since. Disappointing end to last season (as promotion seemed a possibility) and beginning of this but I wouldn’t say they have struggled overall.In the initial season, definitely, but after that unless they have a decent infrastructure, they remain as league 2 strugglers….. Sutton, Harrogate (who are having a better year this time), Forest Green (after 1 promotion season), now struggling, Salford, Tranmere…
At least Tranmere do have a bit more than the others mentioned.
Obviously, there are exceptions as well but they have the infrastructure…..
Lincoln, Notts Co, Wrexham, Stockport
Not sure. Up and straight down, then mid-table, were bottom until they changed their manager….Tranmere were promoted back to the league in 2018 and have also been in L1 since. Disappointing end to last season (as promotion seemed a possibility) and beginning of this but I wouldn’t say they have struggled overall.
I agree with your overall point. If there is to be 3 or 4 up and down then the National League might just as well be absorbed into the FL as a Div 5. On the very minor point of Tranmere though they were promoted from the NL in 2017/18, spent one season in L2 (promoted), one in L1 (relegated by Covid rather than football results), finished 7th and 9th in L2 and this season just started badly. Last season looked like nailed on promotion or at least the play offs for much of it before tailing away badly.Not sure. Up and straight down, then mid-table, were bottom until they changed their manager….
As per my post, at least they do have some infrastructure, but the whole ‘let’s have more teams from the national league’, doesn’t really hold up that well, particularly when a number only have a short term plan….. IMO
Over the last 40/50 years probably Altrincham are the most unfortunate, as they seemed ready a number of times in the 80s, but never got the votes….
Went past the Workington ground the other day. Looks in good nickScarborough. Workington. Margate. Maidstone. Barnet. Third Lanark.
And Darlington.Went past the Workington ground the other day. Looks in good nick
It was always them, Rochdale, Barrow and Hartlepool fighting for re-election as I recall
ah yesAnd Darlington.
I don't think anyone has mentioned Gateshead. Getting Southport, Workington, Darlington and Hartlepool back as well and make the division 'proper' again.Interesting to see how many posts include one or two outpost clubs as in Torquay United, Workington, Hartlepool United etc. Glossop North End maybe ?