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« on: August 12, 2011, 06:39:27 PM »
I don't see it discussed anywhere else so i thought I would start a new thread. From HoganStand
Plans to change the structure of next year's National Football League have been unveiled.
Under the new format, the 16 teams currently in Division 1 and 2 will make up Divisions 1A and 1B. The remaining 16 team would be moved into Division 2 and 3 based on their final standings in this year's league.
Tyrone, Kildare, Westmeath, Meath, Louth, Derry, Monaghan and Galway were due to play in Division 2 next year, but they will now join Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Mayo, Armagh, Donegal, Laois and Down in Division 1.
They would be divided into two groups of eight using a random draw, which would be repeated every two years to keep the competition fresh.
The new format would allow for the reintroduction of Division 1 semi-finals, while the bottom team in each of 1A and 1B would drop down and be replaced by the top two in Division 2.
Before reverting back to its current format in 2008, the National League had comprised of Divisions 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B with the outright winners being crowned Division 1 and 2 champions.
I for one am not in favour as I think it will make the two Division ones less exciting if only the bottom team is getting relegated, also likely to be more dead rubber matches on the last day. Also makes a mockery of all the work some teams did to get into/ stay in Div 1 over the last few years.