This weekend’s National League Annual General Meeting has seen some big news in Non League football, but what will it mean for Kent’s clubs in tiers one and two of the non league pyramid?
Gateshead FC, who have been the subject of financial mismanagement throughout this season, has been dropped down to the National League North.
This impacts both Oxford City and Aldershot, as well as those who follow Kent clubs up and down the country every week.
The Tyneside club’s demotion means there is one less long trip to the North East for our county’s clubs and fans in the National League.
Barrow remains as the longest away trip for Kent sides in the National League whilst Hartlepool United are now a close second.
The Heed will be replaced at the fifth level of football with Aldershot, who finished the 2018/19 season in the final relegation place.
This reprieve offers a much shorter trip for both clubs and fans from the South East.
Another club in the National League North means that Oxford City will return to the division’s southern equivalent.
The club have been in the National League South since the 2015/16 season, having played in the northern portion for the previous three seasons.
They will now welcome Welling United, Maidstone United and newly promoted Tonbridge Angels in the 2019/20 season whilst Ebbsfleet United, Dover Athletic and Bromley will now make the trip to Aldershot.
The National League fixtures will be released on Wednesday 3rd July with the season starting on Saturday 3rd August.
The season will come to an end on Saturday 25th April with the playoffs in the weeks following.