1st June 2021
Non-League reshuffle: The aftermath
By Adam Holt
Volunteers at clubs affected gave their pespectives on the changes to the non-league game.
With the restructuring of the non-league game now confirmed, volunteers at numerous clubs affected have given their immediate thoughts on what this could mean for their club.
In April, reports had emerged that more than 100 clubs were set to be moved up or across a division as part of a reshuffle of the non-league pyramid.
Lichfield City Assistant Manager Wayne Chapman has opened up on what impact he thinks the reshuffle will have on clubs like his.
He said: “I think it was needed. I’m not sure all clubs will be happy.
“Manager Ivor Green and I have worked together for many years, winning three cups with Atherstone Town and obviously the promotion this season with Lichfield City.
“The impact for Lichfield City will be massive we are a club moving forward very quickly with ambitious owners and magnificent facilities who are looking to go as high as we can."
Chapman also explained whether he could see any negatives of the move.
He said: “There are no negatives from our point of view, as it was calculated over the past two seasons and the best three sides got promoted.
“It's very important for me that grassroots football gets all the help it can.”
Ronald McIlreavy, Chairman of Hanley Town, also shared his thoughts on the reshuffle.
He said: “I think it's a sensible decision to have a clear pyramid system in place, I know a few teams will not be happy, but we just have to get on with it now.
“We are based locally to Stoke-on-Trent so it will not have any impact on players and their travelling times.
“The biggest positive should be more local games for teams across the country which will generate large crowds and cut down on travel expenses.”
Andrew Carrier, joint manager of Shifnal Town, explained how the changes will affect himself and the club as a whole.
He said: “I feel travel wise for our league it’s a lot better. It’s about the hard work we have put in behind the scenes, on and off the pitch.
“This promotion has come a year later than we deserved if I’m being honest, we were nine points clear with six games left last season, but COVID brought a stop to the league.
“This year we were top, but it was a lot closer because less games had taken place, so I feel this promotion is well deserved for this club.”
“It’s massive, absolutely massive for this club and for the players and us as a management team.
“Gates have been slowly growing so hopefully now that we are playing at a higher level the gates will continue to grow, so the promotion will be vital for the club.”
In April, reports had emerged that more than 100 clubs were set to be moved up or across a division as part of a reshuffle of the non-league pyramid.
Lichfield City Assistant Manager Wayne Chapman has opened up on what impact he thinks the reshuffle will have on clubs like his.
He said: “I think it was needed. I’m not sure all clubs will be happy.
“Manager Ivor Green and I have worked together for many years, winning three cups with Atherstone Town and obviously the promotion this season with Lichfield City.
“The impact for Lichfield City will be massive we are a club moving forward very quickly with ambitious owners and magnificent facilities who are looking to go as high as we can."
Chapman also explained whether he could see any negatives of the move.
He said: “There are no negatives from our point of view, as it was calculated over the past two seasons and the best three sides got promoted.
“It's very important for me that grassroots football gets all the help it can.”
Ronald McIlreavy, Chairman of Hanley Town, also shared his thoughts on the reshuffle.
He said: “I think it's a sensible decision to have a clear pyramid system in place, I know a few teams will not be happy, but we just have to get on with it now.
“We are based locally to Stoke-on-Trent so it will not have any impact on players and their travelling times.
“The biggest positive should be more local games for teams across the country which will generate large crowds and cut down on travel expenses.”
Andrew Carrier, joint manager of Shifnal Town, explained how the changes will affect himself and the club as a whole.
He said: “I feel travel wise for our league it’s a lot better. It’s about the hard work we have put in behind the scenes, on and off the pitch.
“This promotion has come a year later than we deserved if I’m being honest, we were nine points clear with six games left last season, but COVID brought a stop to the league.
“This year we were top, but it was a lot closer because less games had taken place, so I feel this promotion is well deserved for this club.”
“It’s massive, absolutely massive for this club and for the players and us as a management team.
“Gates have been slowly growing so hopefully now that we are playing at a higher level the gates will continue to grow, so the promotion will be vital for the club.”