York City and Rochdale issue remarkable joint statement day before biggest game of English season

Rochdale are set to host York City at the Crown Oil Arena this afternoon on the final day of the National League season in a fixture which will decide the title and who gets promoted to the Football League today.

York know that if they can secure at least a point, they will be crowned champions; meanwhile, the hosts know they must win to ensure they lift the trophy today, with both sides aware that if they fail to top the table, they will drop into the playoffs.

It has been an incredible campaign for both clubs, with the pair getting over 100 points each across their 46 matches, but yet, in a heartbreaking set of circumstances, one of these clubs could still miss out on promotion to the Football League despite their incredible tallies.

Now the clubs have released a joint statement ahead of the biggest day of their season, as they are calling for a change to the English pyramid.

They said: “This Saturday’s game brings an end to one of the most thrilling, exciting and unpredictable title races in football history. Both ourselves and Rochdale have the chance to write our names in National League history.

“The National League is no longer a non-league competition. It is effectively a League 3, with fully professional clubs operating at a level equal to or higher than many of those in League 2.

“We both understand how important this game is to both clubs and supporters. We both pledge now that whatever happens tomorrow, we will both continue to fight for 3UP.

“Both clubs sit on over 100 points. One of us will have to fight once more in the National League Play-Offs. However, we both strongly believe that this shouldn’t have to be the case.

“We call on the National League, Football Regulator, EFL and Premier League to come together immediately and resolve this issue, so that we do not have to highlight this injustice year after year.

“For both sets of supporters attending the Crown Oil Arena this weekend, we say thank you for being with us all season. The passion you’ve shown for both clubs has been felt across the world. This game will be seen far and wide. We want to showcase this league for all its potential. Keep your support in the stands, not on the pitch, and let’s all protect the game we love.”

Key to their call for a change to the promotion and relegation between the National League and the EFL is the move to professionalism within the fifth tier of English football.

While there may be hopes within the fanbase of ambitious clubs, there may be hesitation from the powers that be that have seen clubs spend above their means to find success in the Football League, leading to financial problems for several iconic sides.

However, there may be hope for change as the EFL voted for a change to the current playoff layout in the Championship as it has expanded from four to six teams from next season.

So, Rochdale and York are hopeful there could be a change moving to help expand the number of sides that can get promoted from the National League to the EFL.