Playoffs debate

[rogerpbackinMidEastUS]

What could be interesting, to keep the teams in the middle of the 1st, 2nd and Conference divisions fully involved would be the incentive that the 2 teams immediately above and below half way in all 3 divisions meet in a 2 x 3 mini round-robin competition.
The winner of each 'mini league' of 3 would meet in a deciding final to be played at the Garrison Football field, home to both the Garrison Gunners and Woolpack Wanderers
The overall winner would get a bye in the first round of the Johnstone Paint trophy.
A qualifying place in the new "EUFA European Lower Leagues Outer Toto Cup". (further details to be announced by EUFA)
A spot in the new three-way  "Wholesalers Cup and the Foredeck Cup"  the 2 cup competitions in the IoS
Mark Lawrenson and Robbie Savage to appear as guest presenters at the winning team's player-of-the-year-awards.
A pre-season friendly at home to QPR
A "we came 13th or 14th in the ...........Division" car stickers for each and every player and their wives"
A set of bicycle clips
A guest appearance on Saturday Soccer
and
An appearance by Conchita Wurst as the guest cabaret at their awards evening.


This 'golden package' would surely be enough to make middle of the table teams compete with full commitment and passion until the end of season knowing that they could possibly be happily frolicking on each beach off the coast of Cornwall

Further reading
http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/nov/20/football.stevenmorris

[domprague]

Well, I took my kids to AFC Wimbledon v Accrington Stanley last night. Same scenario as Brighton-Wednesday in terms of blowing it on the last day against sneaking in to the last play off spot.
It was a fantastic night. Great atmosphere and now beautifully set up for the return match. Wimbledon kept plugging away in the season to make it into the play offs so you can't deny them their chance.
It also shows the teams who can take their opportunities and the teams who choke.