The National League is once again pushing for three promotion spots to the English Football League (EFL), following Rochdale's dramatic Wembley triumph that has reignited the debate over the current two-up, two-down system.
In a promotion final for the ages, Rochdale staged a stunning comeback, erasing a two-goal deficit with just 12 minutes remaining in regulation time before defeating Boreham Wood on penalties. This victory was made all the more remarkable considering the Dale had already amassed an incredible 106 points during their league campaign—a tally that would have secured automatic promotion in most seasons.
"We think three up could be done, we think three up should be done," said National League chief executive Phil Alexander, renewing his call for change. "The EFL could take the higher ground and make that happen."
The argument for restructuring the promotion and relegation system has never been stronger. The National League's top tier is now virtually fully professional, and the gap in quality to League Two is negligible. Recent history supports this: while promoted sides Barrow and Harrogate have faced relegation back to the National League this season, Bromley—who made the jump two years ago—have just clinched the League Two title.
EFL chief executive Trevor Birch and chief operating officer Nick Craig were both in attendance at Wembley, witnessing firsthand the quality and drama on display. Outgoing National League chairman Jack Pearce acknowledged their presence but pointed out that the decision ultimately rests with the 72 EFL clubs themselves.
The National League believed there was broad consensus for implementing a three-up, three-down system, and had hoped for a vote at the EFL clubs' meeting in March. Instead, the proposal was only listed as a discussion topic, meaning any change cannot be adopted for at least another year.
For Rochdale, however, the immediate focus is on celebrating a return to the EFL that seemed impossible just minutes before the final whistle. Their remarkable comeback at Wembley was the perfect coda to a season that also featured one of the most memorable games across England's top five divisions—a title decider between Rochdale and York that saw stoppage-time drama from both sides.
As the celebrations continue in Rochdale, the conversation about what constitutes "footballing justice" in the promotion system is far from over. For the National League, three promotion places would not just be a numbers game—it would be about ensuring the most deserving teams get their shot at the big stage.