Radical plans mooted that could see National League and League Two merge into regional divisions

The coronavirus crisis has led to huge uncertainty in the world of football and especially in the lower tiers, with clubs heavily reliant on matchday income and ticket sales.

With football currently suspended and the National League campaign already cancelled, there is no clear date yet for when fans will be allowed back into stadiums and there remains uncertainty over when next season would start.

While the Premier League and Championship are determined to complete the 2019-20 seasons, League One clubs will meet on Monday to discuss their plans, while League Two clubs have already signalled their intention to cancel the season, with promotion and relegation places decided on a points-per-game basis.

With football facing a financial crisis, there are now fresh claims of proposals mooted by some lower league chairmen that could see League Two and National League merge in a bid to reduce travel costs and create more derby fixtures, which would help boost attendances and finances.

The Mail on Sunday report: “Some chairmen at lower league clubs have had preliminary discussions about a radical restructuring of the divisions that would merge League Two and the National League on a regional basis and turn them into League Two North and League Two South.

“The plans, which are still at a tentative stage, would mean there were five divisions in English football’s Premier League and EFL pyramid for the first time and would boost shattered finances by swelling attendances through more local derbies in each club’s fixtures, as well as creating massive savings in travelling costs.”

It would certainly be a radical restructuring should the idea gain momentum and backing from others.

It remains to be seen how these proposals would be viewed by all clubs and the governing bodies but there looks to be major changes on the way either way on the back of the coronavirus pandemic.

Salary cap proposals are set to be sent to clubs across the EFL over the next couple of days with football chiefs determined to bring costs under control.