Ground relief for promotion winners

The clubs currently chasing promotion from the Nationwide Conference were relieved to learn this week that they are to have more time to improve their grounds to the necessary standard.

Peter Heard, the Football League's acting chief executive, announced that the two non-League teams that win promotion will have one year to complete the required work. This is in contrast to the existing situation, where clubs need a grade A-rated stadium in place.

The proposed rule change is a consequence of last week's announcement of a £20m package of financial aid for Football League clubs put together by the Football Association, the Premier League and the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.

"Presently clubs have to have a grade A ground to get into the Football League," Heard said. "We are altering that because this money is coming through. If they win promotion and they don't have a grade A ground, then they will be given one year to put that right."

The Barnet chairman Tony Kleanthous, whose club were relegated from the League in 2001 and whose Underhill ground is not big enough to permit a return to the Third Division under the existing rules, welcomed the announcement, but also wanted to wait for confirmation of the change in policy. "This is the most sensible thing I have heard in the eight years I have been in football," he said. "The feeling at the club is that we will believe it when we see it, but if the decision does come through then it will be fantastic."

Kleanthous also urged the Conference to amend its rules. At present clubs without grade A grounds will not be able to take part in the newly introduced play-offs.

The Conference leaders, Yeovil Town, visit Northwich Victoria tomorrow hoping to return to winning ways, after last weekend's defeat at Scarborough ended their 18-match unbeaten league run.