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Decisions for Conference officials
The Conference have a big decision to make when it comes to the location of the play-off final, writes Will Brown.
The news of the extra promotion place for the Nationwide Conference is sure to have put a smile on the faces of thousands of fans up and down the country - non-league fans, that is, as I'm sure it will have sent a chill down the spines of our friends from Division Three. Boston, who have already faced a £100,000 pound fine and a four point penalty for financial irregularities last season, are among the favourites to go down.
But where will the finals be held?
Unfortunately, for those local United fans, especially the Welsh based supporters, the Millenium Stadium has been ruled out, according to Conference chief executive John Moules. I am pretty certain this would have been an excellent day out, if United ever get there, as there is little travel involved. Also, this would have been the highest capacity stadium.
However, the Conference have spoken to many Premiership clubs about the final being staged at their grounds. This would be unsuitable for some, however, as they have home league games on the day after the final. Looking at Hereford, if the Bulls were to lock horns with Forest Green Rovers, Telford United or Nuneaton Borough, then the final would probably be held at one of three venues:
1. Aston Villa - Villa Park
Advantages: Biggest stadium of the three, with no home game around the finals date.
Disadvantages: Deep into Birmingham, so from Hereford, the journey is longer than the Hawthorns (West Brom).
2. West Bromwich Albion - The Hawthorns
Advantages: 28,000 seater - West Brom's last game is away.
Disadvantages: None obvious, although obviously the club may refuse to let out the ground.
3. Birmingham City - St Andrews
Advantages: 30,000 seater.
Disadvantages: There is a home game the day after the final.
I would have thought that Villa park would be preferable in this scenario.
The Dates: Tuesday 29th April - Semi-Finals 1st leg
5th highest Place Club v 2nd Highest Place Club
4th Highest Place Club v 3rd Highest Place Club
Monday 5th May - Semi-Finals 2nd leg
2nd Highest Place Club v 5th Highest Place Club
3rd Highest Place Club v 4th Highest Place Club
Final - Sunday 10th May
A second or third place league finish would be preferable, as the 2nd leg would be staged at home, giving the team that added incentive to win the semis.
All in all, let's give United some support and hope they can push for a play - off place, or who knows, even get the title...
