The word at the weekend is the Northern League 1st Division/Premier League promotion/relegation playoffs will take place in 2009. Can anybody confirm this? It seems ridiculous that clubs will have to decide their 2009 preparations based on a six month wait until next year.
There is no gaurentee that players, coaches or even administrators will be sticking around - and it gives some clubs plenty of time to recruit entirely new squads. If that's the case it creates an unfair advantage to any Auckland-based Premier League club where there are more players and more cash to spend to save themselves from the drop.
If Hamilton Wanderers and Ngaruawahia end up facing off then the potential for a mad rush on limited resources will turn this season's competition into a farce.
Isn't it more logical to have the playoffs at the end of this season - as is tradition in most leagues around the world - than have it in February or March 2009. That way there is no advantage or disadvantage with transfer windows and resources.
DP68
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I agree with you it's more logical, but in this instance, it's perfectly logical not to.
Historically, Northern League play-offs have taken place at either end of the season, depending on circumstances, and in the current climate (not the weather version, I hasten to add!), the start of next season makes a great deal more sense.
Why? It gives time for the situation with the Mickey Mouse league over the Bridge to be resolved to everyone's satisfaction, particularly those clubs which are competing in it against their will, but are only doing so because it was a fait accompli for them in 2008.
It would be completely inappropriate to have play-offs at the end of this season, then have all the North Harbour teams return to the Northern League (which is far from out of the question). It would make said play-offs completely inconsequential.
Better to hold them (if they need to be) when there is clarity re the overall situation, rather than play them and ultimately find there was no need to do so.
Cheers,
JR
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Does this mean the US1 clubs could return to their former league slots if the competition is kicked into touch rather than those clubs "starting all over again" in the Northern League 1 (or 2)?
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I think its more a case of TPTB wont let them join come hell or high water regardless of where they used to be.
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That doesn't make any sense if the playoffs are being held over until 2009 to accommodate a possible melding of competitions.
Its stoopid.
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