As many fans may or may not be aware, the National League is proposing changes to the current Playoff format, and Dartford are interested in hearing the fans opinion on the matter, before we vote on Saturday at the AGM.
The current system sees after the league winners, the next six sides compete in the current playoff format, across the National Premier, North and South. Currently 2nd vs 5th, and 3rd vs 4th, in a two legged tie before the aggregate winners advance to the final, and the winner of the final gaining promotion.
The proposed new format instead will see all ties play over a single leg format, from positions 2nd to 7th, with the highest placed finisher having home advantage. This would remove the current format of a home and away leg.
Clubs that finish 2nd and 3rd, would automatically go straight into the semi-finals and be on either side of the draw. 4th – 7th place would then have to qualify to advance to the semi-final, 4th vs 7th and 5th vs 6th. . 2nd would then play the winners of 4th vs 7th, and 3rd playing the winners of 5th vs 6th. The two winners of the semi-final would then play in a final with the winner gaining promotion. Again all 1 legged.
This new proposal will be voted on at the National League AGM on the 10th of June by all clubs in the league. As a fan owned club, we would like the fans to be presented with the opportunity to have their say either on the Website poll, or the Twitter poll before the club makes a decision on which way to vote. We encourage all supporters of Dartford to vote.