Exclusive:National League 3UP campaign: MP says change could 'turn taps on' for investment as York City example cited
Last season, York City accumulated 96 points in the National League.
The Minstermen lost just eight of their 46 games in the regular season, battling valiantly for a long-awaited return to the EFL pyramid.
Alas, it was not enough. There is only one automatic promotion spot on the fifth rung of the ladder and it was claimed by Barnet, who consigned York to the nerve-jangling play-offs.
The play-off promotion spot was claimed by Oldham Athletic, who finished a staggering 23 points behind the Minstermen.
All fanbases grieve what could have been in the aftermath of play-off anguish, but there was a prevalent sense of injustice hanging in the York air.
Their heartbreak shone a spotlight on the National League’s ‘3UP’ campaign, which is pushing for the fifth tier to receive a second automatic promotion slot.
It is a campaign that has received the backing of York Outer MP Luke Charters.
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Potential catalyst for investment
"There's absolutely no reason the EFL couldn't formally put it to their board,” he told The Yorkshire Post. “There's been informal chat - now's the time.”
Those in support of the campaign have argued a change would deliver parity. As it stands, League Two have four promotion slots while the Championship and League One have three apiece.
Mr Charters, a Labour MP elected in 2024, believes the increased likelihood of an EFL opportunity could “turn the taps on” for investment in the National League.
"Lots of these clubs in the National League, they're wanting to make investments,” he said. “They really want to grow their clubs.
“There's some magical, miracle, professional performances going on in the top of the National League, the best of English football. And actually, if we fix these rules, I think it'll turn the taps on to more investment. These are the sort of conversations I've had with the owners of York, the Ugglas.”
The Wrexham path
Wrexham’s fairytale resurgence attracted eyes to the National League but the division had started to transform years before the Disney cameras arrived.
A significant portion of the league’s clubs have adopted full-time models and the desire of many to climb the ladder is evident.
"It's in the EFL's own interest,” said Mr Charters. “At the end of the day, could York be the next Wrexham? Obviously, I say yes. There might be a couple of budding next Wrexham’s in there.
“That's not just transformed the town down there, it's put them on the world stage. And yes, the documentary did it, with the Hollywood aspect.
“But I just think that by tweaking, we could capture some of the magic of those Wrexham stories.”
3UP campaign challenges
There is undoubtedly strong support for the campaign - and it has even been commended by the Prime Minister.
However, a change would require an amendment to the EFL’s rules following a vote of member clubs. Some would argue there would be a similarity to turkeys voting for Christmas.
The EFL, meanwhile, have insisted any implementation should be part of a wider reform of the domestic pyramid.
In order for the battle to be won, it is clear a compelling case must be put forward. The premise may be relatively simple but the devil is so often in the details.
Earlier this year, Lincoln City chairman Clive Nates shared concerns over the impact it could have on clubs who drop out of the EFL. Via LinkedIn, he pointed out that clubs lose academy funding and rights to compensation for academy players two years on from relegation.
National League CEO Phil Alexander told the BBC there are constant discussions with the Premier League and EFL about the issue. A solution to the problem would be a significant carrot to dangle.
There is also an effort to convince EFL clubs the mere existence of another promotion slot would strengthen the chances of a swift bounce back.
Chance to bounce back
"There's more chance to rebound,” Mr Charters said. “We've got to take out what I call archaic friction. I think it's a bit of a prehistoric injustice that we've got to fix.
"For fans in all the leagues, equalise it around three places for every league and end these distortions. Let's simplify it for the betterment of fans.
"Some people have criticised, asking 'why is an MP campaigning for 3UP?' For me, it comes down the fact I'm a fan first. I want to use my voice for the good fans of York and for fans across the country.
"Wherever York had finished last season, I was already calling for it because I could see the distortions. The PM has also commended this - that's quite unprecedented.
"It is a decision for those EFL clubs but there's a real moral case now. A small rule change could mean so much to millions and reinvigorate the National League.”