Bradford Park Avenue will not accept National League North relegation
Bradford Park Avenue say they would present those in charge with a legal battle if they are met with relegation from the Vanarama National League North.
On Wednesday, the National League announced that all remaining fixtures in their three leagues had been cancelled.
The organisation also said that the situation regarding promotion and relegation is ‘under careful consideration’.
Bradford finished rock-bottom on 20 points, which would usually send them down to the Northern Premier League.
But, last month, the Football Association voided the seasons of clubs in steps three to seven of the non-league pyramid, meaning no promotion from the division below.
With NPL leaders South Shields expected to contest the FA’s decision, Avenue’s director of football Martin Knight doesn’t believe it should be one up and one down, and says his club would take action if they were relegated.
“Tiers three to seven have already been voided so we can’t be relegated,” he said.
“South Shields are contesting but if they said they are going to relegate us, there would be a legal challenge from us. We are planning for National League North next year.”
With Avenue set to have their new 3G pitch installed for the start of next season, Knight believes it could do wonders for manager Mark Bower’s recruitment and the football he is able to play.
He said: “If you have got a player like Nicky Clee, one of the most technically gifted in this league, it doesn’t help when the ball is bouncing off a divot and smacking him in the shin.
“If you know you are going to have a good playing surface, it changes the type of football that Mark might try and play.
“He knows he is going to have a good surface, therefore his recruitment might change as he might be able to look for a more technical player.”