Football League News

Last updated : 10 June 2002 By Andy Beill
The most important change sees 'two up two down' installed, whereby two clubs will be relegated from Division 3 to the Conference, and two Conference teams will be promoted to take their place. In previous seasons there has only been one promotion place available. All Third Division clubs will receive £50,000 as 'compensation'.

David Burns, Chief Executive of the Football League, said of the move: "The Conference has been a national league for over twenty years, with crowds now averaging over 1,500. There is no doubt that this extra promotion place will enable it to enhance and add to its appeal and this can only be good for football as a whole."

There are also changes to the loan system in the Football League. Clubs may now have up to 4 players on loan at any one time. They are allowed 8 players on short-term loan and 4 long-term loans throughout the whole season. City's season-long signing of Newcastle's Stuart Green takes up one of our 'long-term loans'.

Clubs can take up to 4 players on loan from any one club over the course of the season, instead of 2 as was previously the rule. This may affect City as there is an agreement with Sunderland to take their players on loan to give them first team experience, though Michael Reddy was the only player to come down from Wearside last season anyway.

The last change to the loan rules is that up to 5 loan players may now be selected in the 16-man matchday squad.

Meanwhile the Football League has agreed a two-year deal with BBC Radio Five Live for commentary rights. Five Live will be allowed to broadcast league, play-off and League Cup games through their radio station (909 & 693 MW), digital radio channel (Five Live Sports Extra) and on their website.

Mike Lewis, the BBC's Controller of Radio Sports Rights, said: "This is a great deal for the League and for Five Live - the station's 6.44million listeners can get free access to every level of football with the very best teams in production and presentation providing all the action. The Football League is a vital part of Five Live's football portfolio and we're delighted to be supporting them once again."


Vote: Two Up-Two Down - good decision by the Football League?
Useful links:
The Football League // Five Live