Another club goes.

[Nomoreheroes]

I'm really surprised at some of the negative comments about teams like R&D, Crawley and Franchise. Need to think very carefully about this, because, the more clubs go to the wall, the more likely we are to move towards an NFL style football league. A small number of Premiershit clubs backed by 'farm teams' with little identity. Its not what I want and I'd be surprised if it is what many on here want.

[jonny72]

Very few clubs do actually go bust and out of existence and out of those most are reformed and start again.

The English leagues are the most insulated from an NFL type structure due to the sheer number of clubs and the money involved - the Championship is a richer league than most countries top tier. So even if clubs do disappear there are always plenty lining up to take their place.

Biggest risk of the NFL thing is all the foreign owners buying in to the PL, who want protection from relegation to protect their investment. But I'd say they've as much chance of getting it as we have of winning the Champions League.

[Kinky Tom]

will never happen, supporters would never stand for it, probably rather see football go to the dogs completely than watch a 'farm team'

[OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR]

the more clubs go to the wall, the more likely we are to move towards an NFL style football league. A small number of Premiershit clubs backed by 'farm teams' with little identity.

I think that's more MLB than NFL but I get your point.

As a side issue, as a result of the subsequent re-shuffling which has gone on as a result of R&D's demise, Bishops Stortford (which is in Hertfordshire, right next to Stansted Airport) are going to have to play in the Conference North next season against the likes of Workington, Harrogate and Blyth Spartans, through no fault of their own. They must be gutted.

[Costanza]

As a side issue, as a result of the subsequent re-shuffling which has gone on as a result of R&D's demise, Bishops Stortford (which is in Hertfordshire, right next to Stansted Airport) are going to have to play in the Conference North next season against the likes of Workington, Harrogate and Blyth Spartans, through no fault of their own. They must be gutted.

I believe Gloucester City are in the same situation. 

[Ardiles]

True....but they've tidy facilities there, shame we couldn't have had someone like Griggs to invest in our club.

R and D away Boxing Day 03, was without doubt the worst experience I've ever had in nearly 50 years of support.

Toxic combination of personal stuff and dire football...

I was there that day as well...and remember having to listen to one of our fans in the row in front repeating the line that R&D were now a bigger, better run club than ourselves.  Now I won't deny that we were being run by a shower of shite in those days, but the statement still seemed so wide of the mark that it really upset me.

Rushden should simply never have been there.  Bought their place in the League just as Crawley have bought theirs.  It's the lower league equivalent of Wigan's purchased place in the Prem.  Don't see the point, myself.  When the artificial support is withdrawn, the club will inevitablt return to its natural level.  I never like to see a club disappear, but I'll not regret Rushden's demise for long.

[leefer]

Worked in Rushden for three years,Strong and Fisher was the company.
When they joined up with Irthlingborough Diamonds it upset a few at local level,reminds me of Wycombe in a way,really suprised Wycombe have stayed the course.

[OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR]

I believe Gloucester City are in the same situation. 

They are indeed. Insane.