With Slough Town defeating King’s Lynn in the Southern League Premier Division play-off at the Walks stadium yesterday, it appears Hereford will be placed in the Vanarama North for the 2018/19 season. Many fans are concerned by this, however, it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, as Simon Wright explains.
Reasons to be Cheerful
1. We get our local derby back with the Harriers. Great food and a new real ale bar has opened nearby
2. Mileage – especially if Harrogate beat Brackley and are promoted – is virtually same as the South. Depending on how Play-Offs finish, North might even be slightly fewer miles.
The Kings Lynn Test as in trips longer than the Linnet marathon has 8 longer in the South, and 7 in the North (6 if Harrogate go up).
3. The top 13 best supported sides in Step 2 this season are all in the North thus suggesting more away support than from the South
4. Cheaper admission and cheaper beer than the South.
5. Warmer welcomes – friendlier football clubs are in the North, according to well me, basically but its a consistent experience.
6. With Billericay, Woking and Torquay all new to National League South next season, competition will be much hotter down there.
7. The North’s biggest spender – Salford – have gone. If the other big spending full time pro club Harrogate win their play off, then the competition looks not quite so strong. Kiddy and Nuneaton are full time but are incubator clubs like Basingstoke. York continue to underachieve. Relegated Chester are enduring civil war while also dropping down are Guiseley who are a small club.
8. Only fair that Northern Bulls have their turn at local games for once. Midlanders were happy in Season One. South-West in Season 2 and South-East in Season 3. (Don’t get your hopes up, Scottish Bulls)
9. Interesting possible weekenders at Southport, York and Blyth. Any supporter of maturity and memory ought to visit Spartans once in their life.
10. Plus lots of visits to other well-known Non-League / Ex League clubs like Alty, FC United, Stockport, Boston and Darlo .
11. No Cup Final mentality. We ain’t the biggest any more.
It is what it is. Let’s enjoy it.
Simon Wright
