Bradford and Grimsby want relegation to stand in League Two

Bradford City and Grimsby Town have both publicly called for relegation to stand in League Two this season, going against the majority view that no club should go down.

Twenty of the 24 League Two clubs voted in favour of scrapping relegation at a meeting last Friday, handing a lifeline to bottom club Stevenage.

But the decision still needs ratifying by the EFL and FA and that is by no means guaranteed with several clubs - in various divisions - believing it will set a 'dangerous precedent' to not allow relegation to stand.

However, even if the decision is overturned, it might be Macclesfield - not Stevenage - who go down with the Silkmen still being investigated for failing to page their wages earlier in the season.

Grimsby chairman Philip Day said: "I was in the minority who did not agree that there should be no relegation. If we expected relegation from the Premier League, the Championship and League One, how could we justify no relegation from League One?

"My view is that first the outstanding disciplinary proceedings against Macclesfield for their fourth failure to pay wages should be concluded. Then and only then could the final position at the foot of the table be determined and that the bottom team should be relegated.

"Even though the majority of the clubs wanted no relegation it is not the end of the matter as the FA and the National League will have to be involved.

"I believe that the regulations to end the season will be passed. At least we have certainty on that. We can now plan the way forward knowing we will have no income from gates and commercial sources for some time."

Bradford director of communications Ryan Sparks shares a similar view, adding: “There is no self-interest attached. Ourselves and Grimsby are united in upholding the integrity of not only League Two but the EFL as a structure. Our position will never change on that front.

“We believe the FA will have the final say in terms of structure, promotion and relegation, and the indicative vote that was cast could still be completely wiped off. It wasn’t an official vote.

“We’re told the Macclesfield situation will be concluded before anything happens. If that means another points deduction, that will probably send them out of the league.

“So be it, because as much as the players have given everything, and we found them worthy opponents when we played at Moss Rose, it has been a season to forget for them off the field.”

Macclesfield have already been penalised 11 points but are still three above bottom club Stevenage as it stands.

Sparks added: “We understand Stevenage’s point of view but they are not talking for the greater good. They want to survive.

“It’s fair that they can be aggrieved with the Macclesfield situation but in the same breath they’ve finished bottom of the pile – and behind a club who have suffered a points deduction.

“Stevenage, by their own admission, will surely accept they have had a disappointing season. They have been through several managers and failed to lift themselves from the bottom end of the table.

“It’s not a pick and mix shop. If clubs are allowed to cherry-pick what they want, you will set a dangerous precedent.

“Say the Premier League take the same approach. Where’s that going to leave the Championship, League One and the EFL as a whole?”