The Third Division (North) Representative stated that they had already made a suggestion
to the Secretary that this matter should be deferred in order that they might meet the Management
Committee to put their point of view. Although the Southern Section had accepted it, the Third
Division North Clubs were perturbed so far as the Fourth Division was concerned, which was going
to mean bankruptcy for some of their Clubs. He asked for an assurance that an opportunity would
be given for them to meet the Management Committee as was suggested.
The Third Division (South) Representative stated that they had accepted the Four Divisions,
but felt that the members included in the Third and Fourth Divisions should be the 24 Clubs at
present included in each of the two sections. They thought that promotion and relegation should
be based on a minimum of three which would make the competition very wide open. They
supported the Third Division (North) Representative with regard to his suggestion for a small
delegation to meet the Management Committee.
West Bromwich Albion F. C, stated that the purpose of this item was all a question of finance
and the future prosperity of the League, with which all the Clubs were concerned.
In the opinion of his Club any re-organization must be drastic, and the Management Com-
mittee were right in referring to "Football Indigestion". The whole of the Football League must
be re-organized wit 20 Clubs each in the First and Second Division and three sections of the Third
Division each with 20 Clubs.
Stockport County F. C. said it was the competitive element which drew the crowds, and if
that element were increased, then the League would improve itself. They supported the plea
for a meeting with the League Management Committee.
Oldham Athletic F. C. said that the trouble to-day was caused by too much negative football.
The emphasis was always on the principle, "We must not lose". There was more competition to-day
in the entertainment world and there was only so much money available for entertainment. It was
up to the League to make greater efforts to attract spectators.
Sheffield Wednesday F. C. supported the Management Committee's suggestion with Promotion
and Relegation of two Clubs throughout the four divisions.
Middlesbrough F. C. suggested as an alternative to the suggestion of West Bromwich Albion,
three National Leagues and a Fourth Division of two sections.
Luton Town F. C. supported West Bromwich Albion F. C. with promotion of three up and
three down throughout the competition. They thought that accommodation for spectators should
be improved, and suggested that a match or two in the Season might be allocated to provide funds
which could be drawn upon by Clubs in the way of loans for ground improvements.
Wolverhampton Wanderers F. C. supported the suggestion of West Bromwich Albion F. C.
They suggested further that the Third Division should manage their own affairs under the control
of the Management Committee, and also find their own money for the Provident Fund etcetera.
Coventry City F. C. said that, if the Management Committee brought forward their proposition
at the Annual Meeting, they should meet the Third Division Executives, to discuss the constitution
of such Divisions.
Workington F. C. spoke against the re-organization which they felt would not increase in any
way the attendances at League games.
Port Vale F. C. supported the West Bromwich Albion F. C. suggestion.
Floodlight Stockport County F. C. supported the playing of League matches under floodlight, but suggested
Matches. that the standard of lighting must be improved.
Sunderland F. C. thought that the Management Committee should take expert advice as
regards the efficiency and the standard of all floodlight installations.
Tottenham Hotspur F. C. spoke against the Management Committee's suggestions.
Alderman McKeag, Newcastle United, stated that he was not aware of the views of his Club,
but in his opinion, the Management Committee suggestions were going too far. Any Club should
be free to make its own arrangements for friendly matches.
Bristol City F. C., Sheffield Wednesday F. C., Sunderland F. C., Tottenham Hotspur F. C., and
Birmingham City F. C., advocated the use of Floodlight in midweek League matches and to avoid
the early kick-off on certain Saturdays during the season.
International Mr. J. H. W. Mears referred to the International Committee of which he was Chairman, which
Matches. had met on the 5th March when the following points had been agreed:-
1. The number of representative matches during the playing season would not normally exceed
four full International matches (only in three seasons since the war have there been less
than five).
2. "B" and Under 23 matches-four only in one season (last season there were five).
3. Four Youth Internationals in one season (last season there were five).
The number of Services matches would remain as before.
The dates for all International representative games would be mutually agreed between the
Football Association and the League. It was also agreed to recommend to the International
Board that International matches should not be arranged on Sundays during the playing Season,
and the other International Associations were to be asked to co-operate in the operation of the new
agreement. The Football Association had also promised to suggest to the Irish and Welsh Football
Associations that their matches should be played midweek. The Army representative at the
meeting had said that he would endeavour to persuade his Organization not to play Sunday matches.
2
