Now we know

[cornishteddyboy]

Subject: Applications for Promotion to, and within the SWP League

 

Allocation of club from outside the feeder league system:
None Received this year.

 

Step Seven to Step Six: (East & West to Premier)
Crediton United                    East Division

Elburton Villa                        West Division

Newton Abbot Spurs           East Division

Porthleven                            West Division

St Dennis                              West Division

Sticker                                    West Division

Stoke Gabriel                        East Division
Feeder Leagues to Step Seven: 
Bere Alston United              East Cornwall Premier

Braunton                               North Devon League

Buckland Athletic *              South Devon League                                  See Note 1

Heavitree United                  Devon & Exeter League

Honiton Town                       Devon & Exeter League

Ilfracombe Town                  North Devon League
Ludgvan                                Cornwall Combination

Newtown                               Devon & Exeter League

Waldon Athletic                    South Devon League

 

Note 1:           Buckland Athletic application is subject to the first team gaining entry to the Southern Football League, if they do not gain promotion then this application will fail.

 

Premier Division: One club from each of East & West is eligible for promotion each season. The eligible club must pass the ground grading first and then finish within the top 3 places only to be considered. Should two clubs be eligible for promotion then two clubs will be relegated, if one club then only the bottom side will be relegated. Likewise should a club be promoted to Step 5 then relegation will be reduced, in all cases the side finishing 19^th will be reprieved ahead of the side finishing 20^th.

 

Division One East & West: Up to four clubs are eligible to be promoted each season.

The two Step 7 Divisions currently have 36 clubs in membership, rules allow maximum of 36 so both are currently full. If after ground grading and final league positions are known 4 clubs are acceptable the bottom two in each division will be relegated. If 2 clubs are acceptable the bottom side in each division are relegated and the sides in 17^th are reprieved. If 0 sides are eligible for promotion then there would be no relegation.

If however 1 or 3 sides are eligible and provided the relevant clubs wish to remain in membership they are entitled to a playoff match under the same rules as the league cup final to decide who remains members, eg if just 1 side coming up it would be 18^th v 18^th, if 3 sides coming up such a game would be 17^th v 17th.

 

The maximum strength of the league is 56 clubs, 20 in Premier and 18 in each of East & West.

 

All clubs will now be ground graded for the standards required and these must be in place by the 31^st March. After the ground visits the clubs will be informed if they are acceptable or not. Those that are acceptable ground wise will then be ranked based on final league positions to determine who are offered places.

 

With 9 active applicants from 5 different feeder leagues it is worthwhile making the following comments:

• Only clubs who achieve a ground grading are acceptable
• Only one club per feeder league can be accepted
• Clubs must finish in the Top two of their league (clubs finishing 3^rd can only fill vacancies).
• In the event of more than two clubs remaining eligible the next determining factor is league position. The rules state the Champion club of any 1 feeder is ranked higher than a 2^nd or 3^rd: No difference is afforded to the perceived strength of one league over another. If two champion clubs are acceptable they are accepted and clubs finishing 2^nd or 3^rd fail, likewise if we go down to 2^nd the clubs finishing 3^rd fail etc.
• In the event of more than 4 clubs achieving the ground standards and finishing in the same position the board at its May meeting will vote on who to accept, those tied clubs will be invited to make representation prior to any vote.

 

Philip Hiscox  (Company Secretary)

[Mike Odgers]

However unlikely I see Porthleven have applied for promotion to the SWP Premier division.

Goiing back to the start of the SWPL in 2007 Porthleven would have had automatic selection into the Premier Division due to their SWL final position but declined the offer and allowed Falmouth Town to take their place.

[dave bunt]

Portleven also won division 1 west & declined promotion

[Guest]

1 hour ago, dave bunt said:

Portleven also won division 1 west & declined promotion

No they didn't, they were leading for most of the season but Wadebridge Town pipped them to it and took promotion.

[leedsunited]

So, I am old & find some things complicated, how would it effect the leagues NOW regarding promotion/relegation taken on todays tables IF grounds were all passed Ok. So sticker would be promoted from the West??

[Guest]

1 minute ago, leedsunited said:

So, I am old & find some things complicated, how would it effect the leagues NOW regarding promotion/relegation taken on todays tables IF grounds were all passed Ok. So sticker would be promoted from the West??

As it stands, if Sticker win the West Division and their ground is suitable, Leeds you will be going to Burngullow Lane next season!

[Bantona]

Did Ludgvan apply for promoting last year? If so, what was the reason or reasons why they didn't get promoted?

[Nick Pope]

Ludgvan did apply last year but failed the ground inspection. 12 months since the last inspection to carry out work required (unsure what that may be?) and finish in a promotion spot this season then it may be that they get into SWPL?

Bere Alston ECPL is a new one on list but I think their league standings will not be enough this season.

The Devon teams are all around the top of their respective leagues so could be a few that are knocking on SWPL door.

5 feeder leagues have applied, only 4 teams can be accepted (1 from each pending everything), could be a few new places for SWPL clubs to visit!

[Mike Odgers]

Of the 9 clubs applying from the feeder leagues only Ludgvan from Cornwall.

Ilfracombe Town from the North Devon L. are well placed and should meet ground criteria having previously been a Western League club.

Another interesting club are Buckland Athletic Reserves who are running away in the South Devon League but this is all in the balance as to whether their first team get accepted into the Southern League.

Not sure of the facilities of the other contenders

[Nick Pope]

A lot of things to be sorted but my early guess would be:

- 2 teams relegated from Prem into West.

- 1 team from West promoted into Prem.

- 2 teams from West relegated out of SWPL.

- 1 team promoted into West from feeder league.

***

- 1 team from East promoted into Prem.

- 2 teams from East relegated out of SWPL.

- 3 teams promoted into East from feeder leagues.

***

Pending league positions and ground inspections this could be possibly the first season the full promotion/relegation system works at its maximum?

[BIG AL]

10 minutes ago, Nick Pope said:

Ludgvan did apply last year but failed the ground inspection. 12 months since the last inspection to carry out work required (unsure what that may be?) and finish in a promotion spot this season then it may be that they get into SWPL?

Bere Alston ECPL is a new one on list but I think their league standings will not be enough this season.

The Devon teams are all around the top of their respective leagues so could be a few that are knocking on SWPL door.

5 feeder leagues have applied, only 4 teams can be accepted (1 from each pending everything), could be a few new places for SWPL clubs to visit!

 More long distance travel for Cornwall based clubs meaning addtionall drains on club funds !

[Outsider]

But never a shortage of clubs seeking promotion, Big Al!

[Mike Odgers]

2 hours ago, leedsunited said:

So, I am old & find some things complicated, how would it effect the leagues NOW regarding promotion/relegation taken on todays tables IF grounds were all passed Ok. So sticker would be promoted from the West??

As it stands now Newquay & St.Blazey relegated and replaced by Sticker and Stoke Gabriel-If either Parkway or Exmouth do get promoted to the Western League  it could be a reprieve for one of the relegated (St.B or N.)

Four clubs to leave the  Peninsula League (Penzance and Vospers from Div.1  West) (Exwicke & Budleigh from theDiv.1 East.

[Richard Chown]

What are people's thoughts on creating a SWPL central division alongside West and East?

[Dave Deacon]

23 minutes ago, Richard Chown said:

What are people's thoughts on creating a SWPL central division alongside West and East?

Would there be enough Cornish clubs to be involved or are you thinking Rich we need somewhere to accommodate all the interested Devon ones

[Anne Teake]

Lots of uncertainties, on top of what's already been mentioned: 

One or more of the Devon clubs in the feeder leagues might join the West Division? Don't forget Argyle Reserves were allowed to proceed into the West Division even though they moved pre-season to Newton Abbott.

One or more of the Devon clubs currently in the West division might be moved to the East Division?  eg Elburton, Plymstock, Marjon etc

Who does the ground grading for the feeder league applicants, and might there be a conflict of interest if they're connected with a club in the relegation zone in the division above?

Can a club applying for promotion be given a time period to make improvements to satisfy the ground grading requirements?  for example, to do some concreting or install a washbasin, between 31st March and 31st July?

In the ECPL the top half of the table is Peninsula reserve teams, both Premier and Division 1, and presumably they would not be eligible for promotion anyway.  So, how does that affect the rule for promotion applicants of finishing in the top three.  Do Bere Alston, for example, have to finish in the top three?  Or could they, say, finish 8th, behind 7 ineligible Reserve teams, and still qualify (subject to ground of course)? 

 

[Bantona]

Thanks Nick, Ludgvan have been consistently near the top since being promoted back into the combo three or four, maybe even five seasons ago. It would be nice to see them go up. A good bunch of lads who are all good footballers too. Could be Mousehole's Boxing Day and Good Friday derby fixture if Penzance get relegated?

[Richard Chown]

45 minutes ago, Dave Deacon said:

Would there be enough Cornish clubs to be involved or are you thinking Rich we need somewhere to accommodate all the interested Devon ones

Dave I'm think that creating a central division would accomdate those clubs pulled between West and East.  Plymouth centric.  Cut down travelling, increase attendances, concentrate referees (and associated costs).  It would give those clubs who want to play a higher standard but not cripple clubs financially.

The clubs could still all compete for a promotion to SWPL Premier if their cucumstances permit.

[teflon123]

Waldon Athletic will need to move ground surely??

Having watched a mate play there last season, they played on a council pitch. Are they still playing there now???

[cornishteddyboy]

1 hour ago, Anne Teake said:

Lots of uncertainties, on top of what's already been mentioned: 

One or more of the Devon clubs in the feeder leagues might join the West Division? Don't forget Argyle Reserves were allowed to proceed into the West Division even though they moved pre-season to Newton Abbott.

One or more of the Devon clubs currently in the West division might be moved to the East Division?  eg Elburton, Plymstock, Marjon etc

Who does the ground grading for the feeder league applicants, and might there be a conflict of interest if they're connected with a club in the relegation zone in the division above?

Can a club applying for promotion be given a time period to make improvements to satisfy the ground grading requirements?  for example, to do some concreting or install a washbasin, between 31st March and 31st July?

In the ECPL the top half of the table is Peninsula reserve teams, both Premier and Division 1, and presumably they would not be eligible for promotion anyway.  So, how does that affect the rule for promotion applicants of finishing in the top three.  Do Bere Alston, for example, have to finish in the top three?  Or could they, say, finish 8th, behind 7 ineligible Reserve teams, and still qualify (subject to ground of course)? 

 

This season, because the SWPL is full clubs applying from the feeder leagues must finish in the TOP 2 in their respective leagues. Read the statement from the SWPL

[100%cornish]

just go back to the old south western league justhaving Cornish clubs in the league

[Dave Deacon]

What about the occasional Devon club that has always featured in a SWL season?

Not enough clubs yet in Cornwall with sufficient Step 6 ground grading level to enable going to the FA with an application to join a National League set-up and so enabling continuation in the FA competitions. ⚽️

[Guest]

10 hours ago, teflon123 said:

Waldon Athletic will need to move ground surely??

Having watched a mate play there last season, they played on a council pitch. Are they still playing there now???

Waldon still play at Windmill Hill

 

28 minutes ago, 100%cornish said:

just go back to the old south western league justhaving Cornish clubs in the league

The last season of the SWL had Tavistock and Plymouth Parkway who weren't Cornish.

In 1974/75 the SWL teams were:

Cornwall: (13) Bodmin, Bugle, Illogan, Liskeard, Newquay, Penzance, Porthleven, Saltash, St Austell, St Blazey, Torpoint, Truro, Wadebridge

Devon: (6): Elmore, Exeter City Res, Holsworthy, Ottery St Mary, St Lukes College (Exeter), Tavistock

In 1978/79 the SWL teams were:

Cornwall (11): Bodmin, Bugle, Illogan, Liskeard, Newquay, Penzance, St Austell, St Blazey, Torpoint, Truro, Wadebridge

Devon (8): Appledore, Holsworthy, Louis International, Newton Abbot Dynamos, Plymouth Civil Service, Plymouth Command, Tavistock, Torrington

In 1982/83 the SWL teams were:

Cornwall (11): Bodmin, Bugle, Launceston, Millbrook, Newquay, Penzance, St Austell, St Blazey, Torpoint, Truro, Wadebridge

Devon (9): Appledore, Clyst, Holsworthy, Newton Abbot, Plymouth Civil Service, Plymouth Command, Tavistock, Teignmouth, Torrington

[Dave Deacon]

1 hour ago, Willow Tree said:

The last season of the SWL had Tavistock and Plymouth Parkway who weren't Cornish.

And Plymouth Argyle "A" as well

[BIG AL]

1 hour ago, Willow Tree said:

Waldon still play at Windmill Hill

 

The last season of the SWL had Tavistock and Plymouth Parkway who weren't Cornish.

In 1974/75 the SWL teams were:

Cornwall: (13) Bodmin, Bugle, Illogan, Liskeard, Newquay, Penzance, Porthleven, Saltash, St Austell, St Blazey, Torpoint, Truro, Wadebridge

Devon: (6): Elmore, Exeter City Res, Holsworthy, Ottery St Mary, St Lukes College (Exeter), Tavistock

In 1978/79 the SWL teams were:

Cornwall (11): Bodmin, Bugle, Illogan, Liskeard, Newquay, Penzance, St Austell, St Blazey, Torpoint, Truro, Wadebridge

Devon (8): Appledore, Holsworthy, Louis International, Newton Abbot Dynamos, Plymouth Civil Service, Plymouth Command, Tavistock, Torrington

In 1982/83 the SWL teams were:

Cornwall (11): Bodmin, Bugle, Launceston, Millbrook, Newquay, Penzance, St Austell, St Blazey, Torpoint, Truro, Wadebridge

Devon (9): Appledore, Clyst, Holsworthy, Newton Abbot, Plymouth Civil Service, Plymouth Command, Tavistock, Teignmouth, Torrington

 At least it was better organised and did not have incidents where the ref. did not turn up !

[Guest]

18 minutes ago, Dave Deacon said:

And Plymouth Argyle "A" as well

Thanks Dave

 

5 minutes ago, BIG AL said:

 At least it was better organised and did not have incidents where the ref. did not turn up !

It even happened back then Big Al. In one instance, none of the three officials turned up in a match at Bugle. There was another time when the referee sent off one of his linesman in a match at Tavistock. Bodmin were once refused the use of Priory Park for a game with Tavistock (by the council) so both teams and match officials hopped into cars and went to play at Westheath. The SWPL is much more professionally run, helped by implemented rules from the FA but people like you still find fault with things that the SWPL have no control over. It's fine to hark back to the glory days when footballers were real men and it was a contact sport and blah blah blah but times change, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad but we have to accept it, even if we don't like it.

[BIG AL]

1 hour ago, Willow Tree said:

Thanks Dave

 

It even happened back then Big Al. In one instance, none of the three officials turned up in a match at Bugle. There was another time when the referee sent off one of his linesman in a match at Tavistock. Bodmin were once refused the use of Priory Park for a game with Tavistock (by the council) so both teams and match officials hopped into cars and went to play at Westheath. The SWPL is much more professionally run, helped by implemented rules from the FA but people like you still find fault with things that the SWPL have no control over. It's fine to hark back to the glory days when footballers were real men and it was a contact sport and blah blah blah but times change, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad but we have to accept it, even if we don't like it.

But there is such a thing AS COOMON SENSE WHICH IS LACKING IN THE SWPL !

[Guest]

Just now, BIG AL said:

But there is such a thing AS COOMON SENSE WHICH IS LACKING IN THE SWPL !

Haha I think you mean common sense!!

[BIG AL]

4 hours ago, Willow Tree said:

Haha I think you mean common sense!!

 

4 hours ago, Willow Tree said:

Haha I think you mean common sense!!

Well spotted !

[stevieb]

Grey area common sense , what one person thinks is Common Sense another might see it differently  , just my take on it .

[Mike Odgers]

Another lifeline for a reprieve of relegation from Premier Division.(Newquay 2nd.from bottom)

The SWPL East Division has the top 6 clubs seperated by 5points and only Stoke Gabriel (in 3rd.) and Newto Abbot Spurs (in 4th.) have applied for promotion.

You must finish in the Top 3 to meet the qualifying position

[Bobjfh]

14 minutes ago, Mike Odgers said:

Another lifeline for a reprieve of relegation from Premier Division.(Newquay 2nd.from bottom)

The SWPL East Division has the top 6 clubs seperated by 5points and only Stoke Gabriel (in 3rd.) and Newto Abbot Spurs (in 4th.) have applied for promotion.

You must finish in the Top 3 to meet the qualifying position

Mike - and Crediton who are in 7 th and only 7 points off the top with games in hand - the East League looks like going to the final match of the season. All (East and West) look likely to pass ground inspections, so the only real chance bottom two in Prem have would be if rumour over Tiverton Reserves is true.

[secretscout]

And that rumour is.....

[100%cornish]

I also heard a rumour about Tiverton Res on Saturday from a Plymouth Supporter at St Blazey he said Tiverton Res are pulling out of the league due to costs and the manager Warren Patmore is resigning because he cannot go forward anymore with the club also heard that Plymouth Res are also looking to pull out as well due to the travelling costs but only rumours

[TURNIP TED]

Grass

[John Mead]

Argyle have recently signed an agreement with Devon FA to play at Coach Road again next season, so it's doubtful that their withdrawal is immanent!  

 

[100%cornish]

This supporter said they are looking to go into the EVO STICK whatever league that is

[Richard Rundle]

Evo Stik sponsor both the Southern League and the Northern Premier League. Any Peninsula League wanting to go to the Southern League of course would have to go through the Western League first, but no new reserve teams are being accepted at that level by the FA, so I think that Plymouth supporter is speaking from an uninformed position.

[Anne Teake]

Does anyone know what would happen if only one club is eligible for promotion to the West Division - for example, Ludgvan - would that mean only one club would be relegated from the West Division (e.g Vospers), or would the two-clubs-relegated rule still apply and take priority?  An important question, in this example, for followers of Penzance, Bude, Wadebridge, Holsworthy etc.  And, of course, what would happen if no club is eligible for promotion from the feeder leagues - does then relegation from the West apply to no club, or one, or two?.  And would all this be affected by whether one or two clubs are relegated from the premier division, or by the numbers required in each Peninsula division.  Any authoritative views on this, or is it all a matter for 'discretion' at the league's AGM?

[baldy]

The SWPL rules are on their website. Happy reading.

I do not think the league would deliberately reduce the number of teams in it's league, so one up to the West and one down or none up and none down. If an odd number of teams are required to be relegated from West plus East (1 or 3) then a play off is organised between East and West with the loser being relegated. This was planed for one year recently and declined by Okehampton? who chose to be relegated anyway. The league having the final say would be a coverall but the rules are well constructed to cater for most, if not all, eventualities.