Starting his playing career in the Isthmian League with Southall and Hayes in the 1980’s, Les Ferdinand MBE famously went on to attain Premier League stardom with Queens Park Rangers, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Leicester City and Bolton Wanderers as well as winning 17 full England caps.
Now, in his current role as QPR’s Director of Football, Ferdinand still keeps a very keen eye on developments below the EFL where a seismic battle for the National League title has ensued.
Both Wrexham and Notts County are on track to achieve 100+ point seasons having already netted a century of goals. Steeped in history, both of these famous clubs are clearly geared for an emotional return to the Football League but only one can do so automatically while the other will be forced to lick their wounds of missing out on top spot and negotiate their way through the ‘lottery’ of the play-offs.
Arguments for an extra promotion place have fallen on deaf ears in recent years but have resurfaced this season as part of the EFL’s contribution to the game’s financial reset, as demanded by chairman Rick Parry.
I caught up with ‘Sir Les’ for an in-depth chat this week and he was clearly in support of the plan.
“If leading National League clubs are capable of coping in League Two, why shouldn’t it be three teams going up and down,” the 56-year-old said.
“If you look at other EFL divisions, three sides get promoted so why isn’t that the case for the National League as well?
Denne historien er fra April 02, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra April 02, 2023-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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BISH BASH BOSH! IT'S LINING UP FOR LEWIS
DAVE Lewis believes Bashley are yet to ‘reach their ceiling’.
REBELS YELL FOR GREAT CAUSE
FOOTBALL shirts specially designed by Worthing FC Supporters Association and local artists Two Faced Twins have been such a hit they’ve been able to hand over a sizeable cheque.
FLEET IN BOSS HUNT...AGAIN!
STRUGGLING Ebbsfleet United are searching for their third manager of the season after Harry Watling left Stonebridge Road after just 90 days in charge.
TOP TALENT HAD 'MAGIC AT HIS FEET'
TRIBUTES have been paid for a talented 17-year-old with ‘magic at his feet’ who passed away after collapsing on the pitch.
ALPORT GO ON THE ATTACK TO SEAL PLACE IN LAST 32!
ALL out attack eventually delivered a warranted win for Whitchurch – despite living dangerously late on.
BRILLIANT BECKWITH INSPIRES LEADERS
GOALKEEPER Charlie Beckwith made the difference as his clean sheet and a goal from Cemel Ramadan saw Bury Town take all three points at Chadfields yesterday afternoon.
OWLS WIN KEY CLASH IN BATTLE FOR TITLE
LEAGUE leaders Cleethorpes claimed an important win over second-placed Emley to move four points clear at the summit of the East Division.
BARDS DO THE HARD YARDS IN BIG WIN
THERE was not much to warm Stamford’s fans as the Daniels were beaten by a good Stratford side.
FREDDIE TREBLE TEES UP LATE WIN
FREDDIE PARKER scored his second hat-trick of the season as Cray Valley came from behind to win in what was a great advert for Non-League football.
TIGERS & LIONS IN A TASTY SCRAP!
PLAY-OFF contenders Hyde United and Guiseley had to settle for a share of the spoils after a hard-fought encounter.
