Premier/First Division Play Off Format

**outspoken** · 12/10/2023, 5:16 PM

Originally Posted by trevy

I doubt if Buckley Park is a runner. It has been reopened by a local junior team but hasn't held a LOI game in probably 15 years and I'd imagine there's a lot more work to be done before it could be allowed hold a big crowd.

You say this but MF was let host it last year

**legendz** · 12/10/2023, 8:11 PM

Originally Posted by trevy

Play off format should certainly be looked at in off season. A simple solution would be 2nd placed team in first division goes straight to final and 3rd and 4th play off with 3rd team at home in a one leg game. Then hold a 2 leg game for first division final and promotion relegation final. The teams that finish higher get rewarded that way and are no issues with trying to find neutral venues then. It used to be this way before. There's no need for a team that finishes 5th in a 10 team division to be getting a place in play offs.

The top 5 making the playoffs has given the First Division a lifeline. More teams are kept alive and active for longer in the season.
The first key thing to achieve is more of a reward for finishing 2nd or 3rd. Home advantage for 2nd and 3rd in one legged semi-finals against 4th and 5th would achieve that.

**holidaysong** · 12/10/2023, 9:37 PM

I also think 5th place in a playoff goes too far. And that 9th in the Premier has it too easy just playing one game. I'd have 9th from the Premier vs 4th in the First division and 2nd vs 3rd in two semi finals and then a final for who gets the top flight spot.

**nigel-harps1954** · 12/10/2023, 9:53 PM

Should be two down, two up anyway. Premier Division team shouldn't get a second chance after a crap season.

**legendz** · 13/10/2023, 7:00 AM

Originally Posted by holidaysong

I also think 5th place in a playoff goes too far. And that 9th in the Premier has it too easy just playing one game. I'd have 9th from the Premier vs 4th in the First division and 2nd vs 3rd in two semi finals and then a final for who gets the top flight spot.

Didn't they have that format previously? It is a fair shout.