The debate over promotion from the National League has been rumbling on for years - and it’s not hard to see why.
Right now, there’s only one automatic promotion spot from the fifth tier, with the second place decided through the play-offs. That’s in sharp contrast to League Two, where four clubs go up. The imbalance in the system has been a sticking point for many, and recent seasons have only added fuel to the fire.
The 2022/23 campaign really brought the issue to the forefront, largely thanks to the spotlight on Wrexham - with their Hollywood owners and an incredible title race against Notts County capturing headlines.
The Red Dragons eventually went up with a staggering 111 points. Notts County, despite finishing with 107 - a total that would have won them the title in almost any other season - were left to try their luck in the play-offs.
Thankfully for them, they made it through, but since then, the question of fairness has continued to surface - especially toward the end of each season.
This season, it’s happened again. York City finished second with 96 points, yet they’ll stay in the National League after losing to Oldham in the play-offs. It’s the second-highest points total ever recorded in a National League season without promotion.
The only side with more were Wrexham back in 2011/12 - they racked up an impressive 98 points but lost in the play-off semi-finals to Luton Town, while Fleetwood Town won the league with 103.
It keeps happening and each time, the calls for a second automatic promotion place get louder.
????Most points without being promoted in National League (fr. 99/00):
— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) May 22, 2025
9?8?: Wrexham (11/12)
9?6?: ????York City (24/25)????
9?5?: Tranmere (16/17)
9?3?: Kidderminster (12/13)#YCFC pic.twitter.com/spq0KiKXWz
