By Webmaster
December 27 2002

The Nationwide Conference is going ahead with its plans to restructure the feeder leagues in non-league football's top-flight competition.

Conference chief executive John Moules has written to all teams in the Ryman, Dr Martens and UniBond Premier divisions, inviting them to join a new 66-club set-up.

The proposals plan for two leagues feeding into the Conference, instead of the current three-pronged structure for the 2003-04 season.

Clubs wishing to sign up for the new system will have to resign from their current league by the end of January, with applications to join due in by January 15.

In his letter to the clubs who could be affected, Mr Moules commented: "The Conference and the three feeder leagues have discussed restructuring for some time as have the FA, with little or no progress during the past two years.

"The Conference believe that an expanded competition with either one additional or two new semi-regional divisions will enable clubs to play on a level basis and plan for future development in a more stable environment.

"At this stage the Conference have issued, in accordance with procedures, notification to the FA for sanction of rule amendments to allow for up to 66 member clubs for season 2003-04."

http://www.nationwide.co.uk/football/NationwideConference/TournamentNews.asp?T_ID=conf&ID=46590