The FA have announced changes to the current promotion system which sees clubs move from the Hellenic League Premier Division to the Southern League Division One, steps five and four of the English non-league system.
The change will see a shift from the German system of a team at the bottom of one league playing a team from the bottom of another and towards a normal English style with four team facing each other in two semi finals and a final.
An FA statement reads: “The change will see the introduction of a traditional four-team Play-Off in each of the sixteen Step 5 divisions – thus guaranteeing a second promotion place from Step 5 to Step 4, subject to Clubs meeting the eligibility criteria which includes an independent ground grading assessment.”
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This could impact Gloucestershire clubs such as Slimbridge as they battle for Southern League safety and could be entering the Hellenic League in 2023/24 with automatic promotion going to the title winner only, as Bishops Cleeve did.
Cheltenham loanee Liggett could be involved in the current process as his Cinderford side face Bristol Manor Farm with the winner entering the relegation play off spot and the loser entering the automatic drop zone.
The plans will be reviewed and enter a two season transition stage.
