Rochdale secured promotion from the National League to the English Football League through a penalty shootout victory at Wembley, reigniting calls for a three-up, three-down system.
Rochdale completed a remarkable comeback from two goals down with twelve minutes remaining to defeat Boreham Wood in a penalty shootout during the National League promotion final at Wembley on Sunday.
The victory followed another unforgettable match just two weeks prior, when stoppage-time goals by Rochdale and York decided the league title in dramatic fashion. Despite accumulating 106 points in their league campaign, Rochdale nearly missed out on promotion at Wembley before their late heroics.
Their triumphant return to the English Football League was sealed through a dramatic penalty shootout victory.
Phil Alexander, the chief executive of the National League, has reiterated the league's demand for the English Football League to implement a three-up, three-down promotion and relegation system between the two divisions.
Rochdale's recent success has strengthened Alexander's argument, as he believes the time for change has arrived. He stated, "We think three up could be done, we think three up should be done. The EFL could take the higher ground and make that happen."
The National League's call comes as clubs and officials gathered at Wembley for the promotion final.
Trevor Birch, chief executive of the English Football League, and Nick Craig, chief operating officer, attended the Wembley final.
Jack Pearce, outgoing chairman of the National League, had previously praised the EFL leadership but clarified that club members, not the EFL executives, hold the power to approve the three-up system.
The National League had anticipated a vote on the proposal during an EFL club meeting in March, but it was only discussed, delaying any decision by at least another year. The proposal had seemingly garnered broad support among clubs.
The National League argues that three promotion spots make sense due to the minimal performance gap between the National League and League Two.
Recent National League clubs like Notts County, Chesterfield, and Wrexham have competed in League Two play-offs or narrowly missed out on Championship play-off spots, highlighting the competitive balance.
However, the National League fears that EFL clubs may resist change until the Premier League, which provides significant financial support to the fifth tier, reaches a funding agreement with them. No such agreement appears to be on the horizon.
Phil Alexander believes the newly established Football Regulator, led by David Kogan, could play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the National League and the EFL.
He emphasized the National League's position as the fifth tier of English football and the need for better integration. Alexander stated, "Really the National League should be part of a larger pyramid with regards to connection with the EFL.
It is league five in every sense and needs to be recognised in that way. At the moment it is on a bit of an island." He hopes a solution can be found to benefit the broader game.
The National League has long advocated for the three-up system, arguing it would reflect the competitive level between the fifth tier and League Two.
The league's campaign, titled "National League is League Three," has gained traction, with widespread support expected within the EFL. However, Alexander expressed concern that the process might stall indefinitely without decisive action.
He noted, "We do think there is good feeling within the EFL for three-up and pretty much everyone thinks it's the thing to do but I am very concerned it might just drag on."