Hartlepool United and National League promotion rivals could face late twist as Southend and Grimsby challenge 'unfair' relegation

The duo have already been consigned to relegation ahead of the final day of the fourth tier season but are challenging their drop into non-league given that no teams will be relegated from the National League this term.

And a proposal – which Martin says has been led by Grimsby but supported by Southend – has been submitted to the EFL. It will be discussed at their AGM next month.

"A proposal has been submitted to the English Football League and it will be discussed at next week’s EFL meeting," said Martin, speaking to the Southend Echo.

"Ultimately it will be spoken about at the AGM on June 10th too.

"Grimsby and us feel that the unusual circumstances of this year should be acknowledged.

"The National League haven’t relegated but they have promoted and the way it’s pitched at the moment it's unfair to relegate clubs from League Two."

"We're looking at the rules."

While details of the proposal are scarce, it is likely that the suggestions put forward by the pair will impact the sides at the top of the National League in some manner.

Hartlepool United and their promotion rivals will no doubt track any potential progress with interest amid the prospect of a late twist.

But for the time being, the proposal is just that and it’s business as usual for Pools as they look to bounce back from Monday’s defeat at Bromley.

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