Step 4

NPL backlog is a strain on everyone

by
The Non-League Football Paper Team
13 September 2026

I WOULD love to know who at the Northern Premier League thought playing eight games in 23 days at the start of the season was a good idea. I’m sure the majority of managers weren’t consulted.
I know they will claim it avoids fixture congestion at the end of the season due to cup runs and potential bad weather over winter. But both the Isthmian and Southern Leagues haven’t followed this route.
A game on average every three days not only puts incredible strain on players on pitches recovering from the dry summer but also puts a strain on the finances of clubs and f...

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