Subject to FA Council approval, the National League’s Ordinary Resolution has passed and we will participate in a play-off competition to challenge for promotion to League Two.
A significant majority of member clubs in each division voted in favour of the league’s proposals, which means the final 2019-20 National League tables have been determined on an unweighted points-per-game basis.
By this measure, we finish third in our division and will now face the winners of Yeovil Town (fourth) v Barnet (seventh) in a behind-closed doors play-off semi-final at Meadow Lane, on a date to be announced in due course.
Second-placed Harrogate Town will play the winners of Boreham Wood (fifth) v FC Halifax Town (sixth) in the other semi-final, while Barrow are promoted as champions.
All play-off matches will be broadcast live on BT Sport.
A statement from our board of directors reads: “We are very pleased that an overwhelming majority of clubs have voted in favour of the National League’s Ordinary Resolution, which we feel provided the fairest method of deciding the sporting outcomes of the season.
"Our congratulations go to Barrow on their successful campaign, and to King’s Lynn Town and Wealdstone who are promoted as champions from North and South respectively.
“We have long been preparing for this eventuality and we’re now looking forward to providing our players and staff with a safe return ahead of what we hope will be an exciting and successful play-off campaign.
“We're very sorry that our supporters can't be with us on the latest step of our journey but the club will be doing all it can to bring them the best possible information and insight over the coming weeks.”
What happens now?
While we await further instruction and advice from the National League and FA, we will this week be comprehensively testing our 24-man training squad along with several members of staff. The results of these tests will allow for a safe and informed return to Stage One training from next Monday in accordance with government guidance.
Further details on training methods and the safety protocols we’re deploying will follow in the coming days.
When will the matches be played?
Although we are yet to receive confirmed match dates, the National League have previously communicated to clubs that the play-offs, beginning with the quarter-final matches involving Yeovil, Boreham Wood, Halifax and Barnet, should commence no later than 18 July, while the final should be played by 31 July.