Overview
- The new format adds one-off eliminators of fifth vs eighth and sixth vs seventh, feeding two-legged semi-finals against third and fourth before a Wembley final.
- Alan Shearer endorsed the expansion as a needed revenue boost that adds excitement without significantly diluting competitiveness.
- Birmingham City manager Chris Davies welcomed the change as opening the league up and reducing late-season dead rubbers.
- Bristol Rovers head coach Steve Evans called the move great for fans, highlighting the appeal of more teams staying alive deeper into the campaign.
- Reporters note National League precedent suggests eighth-placed promotion winners are rare, which could increase jeopardy without drastically altering outcomes.