NEWS | WELCOME TO THE 2024/25 SOUTHERN LEAGUE SEASON

We catch up with Chairman, David Martin, ahead of the new campaign

The start of the 2024/25 Southern League season is upon us!

It promises to be a season of thrills and spills across all four of our divisions and we will be there every step of the way to give our member clubs the coverage that they deserve.

On the eve of the season, we sat down for a chat with Southern League Chairman, David Martin, to discuss what’s ahead.

“With the Euro’s taking up much of the summer it does not seem we have had a summer break from football,” he admitted. “Every club starts the new season with high hopes and expectations of a successful season.

“The championship may be a dream, but the chance of a play-off place is a reality for most clubs.

“In addition, the FA Cup still hold a romance for most football supporters. It is unfortunate that some clubs at Step 4 had to play their first FA Cup match before the League fixtures commence. The congested fixture schedule and extra clubs in Step 4 divisions left no other option.

“For the new season there is a rule change around substitutions, in that clubs will be allowed to use all five nominated substitutes in a match, and this can happen in five breaks of play. This will, potentially, lead to even more added time!

“Last season the amount of rainfall was extraordinary, and it was a tribute to clubs that all fixtures were completed on time. According to the Met Office website, the rain fall for the 18-month period from October 2022 to March 2024 was the highest amount of rain fall since the Met Office began collecting data in 1836.

“I am pleased to see many clubs carrying out significant pitch improvement work this summer that, I hope, will reduce the number of postponements this coming season.

“You will have read about the uproar over an agreement between The FA, the Premier League and The EFL to abolish replays in the FA Cup competition proper for 2024/25 season.

“The FA now accept there should have been more comprehensive consultation, but there was no alternative due to the expanded Champions League. The change has meant all rounds in the competition proper will now be on a Saturday, giving more prominence and exposure.

“I would stress this is from the first round proper onwards and does not affect the qualifying competition in which our clubs participate. If there was ever a discussion to extend this to the qualifying competition, I would argue strongly at The FA that the clubs affected should be consulted and vote on any change.

“I wish all clubs the best of luck for the new season and please remember whether you win, lose or draw, please be respectful to your opposition and match officials. Let’s all have a great season!”