Changes galore to Prem

[kevinb]

Thursday, 31 May 2012
Following consultations with the Football Association further changes have been made to the proposed constitution of the league for the 2012-13 season. This will be finalised at the Annual General Meeting at Yaxley on 6th June.

Premier Division

2011-12 membership less Daventry United (folded), Kings Lynn Town (promoted to Northern Premier League Division One South), Northampton Spencer (sought voluntary demotion to Division One) and Thrapston Town (demoted to Division One) plus Harborough Town and Huntingdon Town (both promoted from Division One), Quorn and Shepshed Dynamo (both relegated from Northern Premier League Division One South).

So it looks like four out and four in, obviously the March 31st deadlines do NOT really apply then! (Must try and remember that at the appropriate moment) If it is passed by the Clubs next Wednesday I have to say it will be good to see some different places to visit. Former Stamford AFC boss Tommy Brookbanks is in charge at Quorn now, don't know too much about Shepshed except that we beat them in the F A Cup a couple of seasons ago and they have some vociferous fans, who were good to meet and hear. Question: are Buckby still with us or not? It looks like it's gone a bit tits up at Bugbrooke which is a real shame. The AGM is beginning to look even more interesting by the minute.

[delapsrightarm]

Fantastic news having Shepshed in the league! they have some great fans and will be an asset to the league! very excited about next season looking at it!

[cookie]

Fantastic indeed.... well done to everyone connected to the UCL who saw off the potential changes and just look at the result.. standing proud with an exciting campaign next season Congrats UCL

[sg]

I imagine this is the first step to the FA changing the footprint of the league so that eventually all step 5 & 6 clubs in Leicestershire are in the UCL. Our more southerly clubs will probably be moved to the South Midlands, with that leagues south eastern sides going into the Essex Senior. These moves would make a lot of sense in helping to prevent the Northern Premier drifting even further south.

[jeffl]

Just want to congratulate our league on this amazing development. Five months ago the FA HQ instructed a working party to reduce the number of Step 5 leagues ... no other outcome was required.

A great campaign supported by some passionate clubs and professionally delivered has not only saved our Premier Division but now we are being blessed with a larger league in the Prem and Div 1 and hopefully the new clubs Reserves Teams will also be swelling our numbers.

What a tremendous accolade, 5 months ago we were expendable, today we are growing and step 4 teams coming down - oh yes! Can't wait for next season

Jeff

[Gav678]

Here here Jeff.

[jeffl]

Does anyone know of any other changes in adjacent leagues - particularly Ridgeons?

By the way, I think we should acknowledge that the FA Review Board had the good grace to back down and recommend to the National body that they change their strategy. I bet there are a couple on there who did so grudgingly, especially considering the total indifference to any alternative they displayed in the meetings we attended, but let's hope they've learned a bit along the way eh? We certainly did

Jeff

[railwatcher]

We certainly did Jeff, and the manner in which The FA have responding to a new dawn for Step 5 is testimony to the respect we have earned as a League, and now in the way we must be adaptable to the demands of The National League System in the future.

It is refreshing that so much confidence is being shown in our League , onwards and upwards! That is the clear message so lets all carry this positivity into the next campaign. And don't let things lag behind on facilities etc. if they do you may now have to pay a big price.

[railwatcher]

Campaign as in season not argument!

[kevinb]

And WHEN exactly will we get the changes to the F Grading from the illustrious FA, that we MUST all adhere to by March 31st 2013. Old chestnut I know, but we HAVE to know what will now be expected as soon as possible.

[jamesw]

I know a Shepshed fan... let the mind games begin in earnest !!!

[andrewstan]

Kevin - I believe the date of 31st March is the cut off date.
Couple of points:
-I believe Harborough Town got lucky with Bugbrooke pulling out of being promoted at the last minute. It is my understanding that if Bugbrooke were prompted, Harborough wouldn't have been.
-I also think that due to the great work of many associated with, and an affinity to the UCL the Fa's decision to keep step 5 UCL has resulted in the need for more teams in each league at step 3 and 4 - thus needing to start to enlarge the UCL at step 5 to feed these teams through.
-if there are 6 or 7 teams in UCL prem who do not reach the required ground grading by 31stMarch - what will happen? There won't be 6 or 7 teams in div 1 who can replace them, so I guess the rules could/might have to be broken again?!
I think the rules are there as a guideline and in exceptional circumstances (like the UCL being saved and being made bigger and better) they will be over looked to ensure the best interests of the UCL are taken into account.

[brightspark]

Glad to see the UCL survived and new clubs coming into the league. I am sure all supporters will like to see what the new grounds are like. It's seems so strange for us at St Neots that this season we will have more local games than we have had for a long time. Will be glad not to have to keep going around the M25.

All the best to all of you this coming season

[Andy Mac]

Hello there! Whilst we were gutted to be relegated, albeit it's been a long time coming, I think it's fair to say that most at Shepshed will be looking forward to being members of the UCL.

I think everyone expected us to be placed in the Midland Alliance, but this will give the BWA (Black & White Army) the chance to enjoy the hospitality at a lot of new grounds.

Hopefully we'll continue to travel in the same numbers (min. 35, max. 75), however don't expect any supporters to travel from Quorn.

And be warned that Quorn have a chairman that has, shall we say, a reputation for unwarranted arrogance and utter ignorance.

[sg]

Welcome to the UCL Andy.

I guess from your last comment that you have quite a keen "friendly" rivalry with your neighbours