Conference National

Conference National (often referred to as the Nationwide Conference for sponsorship reasons) is the top division of the Football Conference. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system. Two clubs from Conference National are eligible for promotion to the Football League Two at the end of each season, and the three bottom clubs are liable to be relegated to either Conference North or Conference South, the lower regional divisions of The Football Conference. Previously, no promotion from the Conference would occur if the winners did not have adequate stadium facilities. As of the start of the 2002-03 season, if a club achieves the automatic promotion or the play-off places but does not have an adequate stadium, their place will be re-allocated to someone who does have adequate facilities. Using 2004-05's finishings for an example, if winners Barnet did not have an adequate stadium (which was a worry for much of the campaign) the automatic promotion spot would have been re-allocated to Hereford, while sixth placed Exeter would have gained a play-off place.

Related Topics:
Football Conference - National League System - English football league system - Football League Two - Conference North - Conference South - Barnet

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