Bit of a random question, and one which may come through if Plymouth go bust and have to close down.
If a club goes bust and ceases to exist, what happens to the league structure? ie: plymouth are due to be in league 2 next season but if they shut down in the off season who takes their place? a team freshly relegated or is another team promoted (from the conference in this example)? (and then further down the foodchain the knock on effects)
I'm sure that theres a precident already set somewhere in the past and one of the footballing tragics on here will know the answer...
If a club goes bust and ceases to exist, what happens to the league structure? ie: plymouth are due to be in league 2 next season but if they shut down in the off season who takes their place? a team freshly relegated or is another team promoted (from the conference in this example)? (and then further down the foodchain the knock on effects)
I'm sure that theres a precident already set somewhere in the past and one of the footballing tragics on here will know the answer...
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I think it is the losing Conference playoff team.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
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There is no fixed answer. However, the usual thing is not to promote an extra team, it is to save someone from relegation. It is how Forest Green Rovers did not go down last year, despite finishing in a relegation position.
If you think about it, members will always vote to save themselves from relegation rather than give someone outside the membership a second crack at promotion.
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PS Last time a League team folded was in the 1992/93 season when the re-election process was still in use. Here's a potted history of such incidents for the Conference. Until 96/97 the Conference was the highest English League with automatic relegation. Salisbury City last season finished 12th and went down, for financial problems and being in administration, which is what allowed Forest Green (as the highest placed relegated team) to stay up. It was quite a season for the Conference with two of the relegated teams having issues - Chester City were expelled rather than relegated and Grays Athletic had a problem finding a new league after relegation.
SiNZ2011-05-06 15:35:03
In 2008, Altrincham were similarly saved from relegation due to Halifax Town's demise. Halifax only finished one place outside of relegation so it wasn't as severe a switch as Salisbury's.
In 2007, Altrincham were saved from relegation (again - see above) because Boston were relegated two divisions from League Two.
In 2006, Altrincham were saved (again, again - see above) from their points-deduction created relegation by Canvey Island taking voluntary relegation from 14th spot. Scarborough would have been saved first, as the highest relegated team, but blew the chance of salvation due to financial problems.
The year before that (2005), Forest Green Rovers (again!) were saved by Northwich Victoria. That's a story. NV were Conference ever-presents and went through a take-over. Unfortunately, the new owners forget to file their licence to compete in the Conference and were relegated by default. You couldn't make this up.
In 2004, Telford United folded and Margate were relegaed due to their ground not meeting requirements. As a result both the bottom two (Leigh and Northwhich Victoria - see above!) were saved.
In 1999, Barrow were relegated in place of Welling Utd due to Barrow's financial problems.
In 1998, Sloughwere relegated from 8th because their ground did not meet minimum requirements for the following season, saving Telford United from the drop (but see 2004).
In 1989, Stafford were saved by Newport County's expulsion.
And the final Conference example was Nuneaton Borough going down from 18th spot in 1987 as punishment for financial irregularities instead of Welling United.
In every case, it's been a saved relegation instead of an extra promotion.
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Interesting wee read there, thanks SiNZ... (knew there'd be someone with the info out there in the YF universe)
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Plymouth to get a 6 figure payment from QPR for Mackie as he's now a Premiership player and Exeter will also get a piece through onselling clause.
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
The Ruf, The Ruf, The Ruf is on Fire!!
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Hopefully that keeps Plymouth afloat...I'd imagine there'll be a rapid sale of many of their top earners followed by another relegation. Its sad when it happens
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