Mixed reaction to Football League plan for four divisions

 

The Football League wants to create an extra division with 20 teams in each from 2019-20.

It would mean England has 100 teams in five divisions, up from 92. There are currently 24 teams in the Championship, League One and League Two.

The Football League says the move would tackle fixture congestion and boost the finances of its members.

The Premier League and the Football Association have backed the proposal "in principle".

Of the current 72 Football League clubs, 90% must support the proposal for it to go ahead. A decision will be made at their annual general meeting in June 2017.

"There are clear benefits for everyone," Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey told BBC Sport.

"It is about taking a step back to try to work out what is best for English football.

"We hope that the Football League taking this first step is the catalyst for future change."

However, the proposal has attracted mixed reaction from Football League clubs.

Accrington owner Andrew Holt said it had "no merit", while Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn believes it "has value".

Other club bosses complained they had not been told about the plan before it was announced on Thursday.

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