2023 Zone Premier League

[straightred88]

Anyone with any more info from last nights Zone meeting ?

I?m hearing northern want third grade gone for 2025?

Also hearing 2 ZPL clubs from this season have not re-nominated for 2024?

[Lofty]

They did announce third grade would be removed from season 2025 to align with Northern. The clubs in attendance weren't happy with the news. They did take a vote on the night in which everyone was in favour of keeping third grade, apart from one club I think.
That information is going to go back to to board.

Nominations close tomorrow. We won't know anything for a couple of weeks I would imagine. The aim is to have 3 grades of 12 teams. I wasn't aware of any ZPL clubs not nominating. Either rumours or I just wasn't listening. (Don't rule out the not listening part).

[The Hacker]

Anyone with any more info from last nights Zone meeting ?

I?m hearing northern want third grade gone for 2025?

Also hearing 2 ZPL clubs from this season have not re-nominated for 2024?

Which 2 clubs are you hearing

[straightred88]

Which 2 clubs are you hearing

Heard it was 2 clubs only then was told Minmi is one. Not sure on other

[Taffy]

Seems when Northern said this

"Should Zone League requirements continue to have three required teams, the Joint Interdistrict Zones will work with any promoted club to find an appropriate position within the all age competitions for any displaced third team."

They probably mean for all teams then to go into All Age A. Curiously there isn't a question about a relegated team and if they need three required teams.

[The Hacker]

Heard it was 2 clubs only then was told Minmi is one. Not sure on other

Considering they have gone out with a new coach and saying they are in ZPL it?s hard to imagine them not nominating

[Jim]

Disappointing. There was a push to get more divisions of Zone league to strengthen the level of football and reduce the 1000 all age teams.
Now northern has thrown that out.

Never should a club been thrown out of the zone league when their objective is to better football in that area.
I'd rather see 3rd grade dismantled and still have 4 zone divisions of 1st and ressies.

[Avocadomexican]

Heard it was 2 clubs only then was told Minmi is one. Not sure on other

I also heard that Minmi were looking at moving into NL1 to even the competition numbers up.
Love the old rumor mill going round without much fact or evidence behind them.
Whilst we're at it i have heard whispers of the jets being replaced by KB United in season 24/25

[northern_swan]

Whilst we're at it i have heard whispers of the jets being replaced by KB United in season 24/25

I’m not against it

[Kicktheball]

Minmi going down and Croatia into ZPL is the mail I am hearing??

[Alton]

Minmi going down and Croatia into ZPL is the mail I am hearing??

So no official decision yet? Is Cardiff staying up ?

[Jardelsimage]

Disappointing. There was a push to get more divisions of Zone league to strengthen the level of football and reduce the 1000 all age teams.
Now northern has thrown that out.

Never should a club been thrown out of the zone league when their objective is to better football in that area.
I'd rather see 3rd grade dismantled and still have 4 zone divisions of 1st and ressies.

Jim, northern does not administer, zone football, technically all they are doing is allowing a zone side to be promoted.

The discussion about grades was the old chesnut, removing 3rd grade from 24 or so clubs to save 1 or 2, not sure how it will strengthen the level of football though by doing this.

How about they get rid of some of the 1000 AA sides and get those teams to join ZL football, starting at the bottom with 2 sides, if they win the comp then they rise, whilst recruiting a 3rd side to complete the rise through the grades. We can still have 4 divisions, have a look at the U/25 comp, why even have that in the AA system.

Refs prefer to do ZL as there are less issues and if refs do 3 grades, they travel to one place etc, generally for more $$.

This comes up every year at the ZL meeting, every year it is rejected, this year they took a different path and said it was going to happen without consultation with the clubs.

I am not sure where you have thrown your hat over the years, but 3 grades are and will always be the best option, from ZL to NPL i believe.

I ventured to a couple of NL1 fixtures this year, where they only have 2 grades, it was as you could say a bit embarrassing, on crowds and canteen facilities, which i must also add that can happen at ZL games as well.

[Jim]

How about they get rid of some of the 1000 AA sides and get those teams to join ZL football, starting at the bottom with 2 sides, if they win the comp then they rise, whilst recruiting a 3rd side to complete the rise through the grades. We can still have 4 divisions, have a look at the U/25 comp, why even have that in the AA system.

I agree with this part.
The sticking point comes when clubs go to 3 grades it becomes a bridge too far and falls over. So essentially the 3rd grade maybe a safety net to stay in the comp when coming last.

Alternatively Zones dont want to go to NL1 as they dont want to lose the 3rd grade, the community spirit plus costs are high.

If NL1 had 3 grades and drop some entry costs would you guys think about going up? if not the whole promotion relegation is a sham.
Most people in here acknowledge that the top 3 or 4 ZPL clubs would handle NL1.
Its becoming clearer that the Top zone league has become a safe haven for clubs to stay at a decent level without ever stepping up and avoiding relegation because its difficult for other clubs to maintain 3 grades. Solution, ZPLZL1 has an optional 3rd grade.

[riverboy]

So no official decision yet? Is Cardiff staying up ?

Cardiff come last in 2023, So they should be relegated. If they are not relegated then the integrity of the competition and those that run it should be questioned.

Why have rules if they are not enforced.

[Thomas477]

Jim, northern does not administer, zone football, technically all they are doing is allowing a zone side to be promoted.

The discussion about grades was the old chesnut, removing 3rd grade from 24 or so clubs to save 1 or 2, not sure how it will strengthen the level of football though by doing this.

How about they get rid of some of the 1000 AA sides and get those teams to join ZL football, starting at the bottom with 2 sides, if they win the comp then they rise, whilst recruiting a 3rd side to complete the rise through the grades. We can still have 4 divisions, have a look at the U/25 comp, why even have that in the AA system.

Refs prefer to do ZL as there are less issues and if refs do 3 grades, they travel to one place etc, generally for more $$.

This comes up every year at the ZL meeting, every year it is rejected, this year they took a different path and said it was going to happen without consultation with the clubs.

I am not sure where you have thrown your hat over the years, but 3 grades are and will always be the best option, from ZL to NPL i believe.

I ventured to a couple of NL1 fixtures this year, where they only have 2 grades, it was as you could say a bit embarrassing, on crowds and canteen facilities, which i must also add that can happen at ZL games as well.

Couple of things.

There multiple reasons why someone would want to play all age over zone ranging from not being able to commit to training every week, to the length of the season to just wanting to play with a bunch of mates. Forcing them to zone league and making them pay more will just see them not bother. It’s also a bloody long season.

The u/25 also was a 1 season wonder last year (2022). It wasn’t around this year.

Similar thing with refs. The level of commitment to do zone leagues and the expectation on the refs is significantly different than all age. I’ll also suggest that not many refs, if any, are at multiple grounds a day, or if they are, it’s because they’re officiating before their own match that they’re playing or reffing, before doing another game in the afternoon. It’s also how much time refs are willing to commit per day, if they’re only interested in doing one game, it’s a lot easier to do that in all age than zone.

[straightred88]

Cardiff come last in 2023, So they should be relegated. If they are not relegated then the integrity of the competition and those that run it should be questioned.

Why have rules if they are not enforced.

1000% spot on

[Fred Devils]

Can I ask... Who did this? 🤣

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newcastle_Zone_League_Two

[Jardelsimage]

[QUOTE=Thomas477;270732]Couple of things.


The u/25 also was a 1 season wonder last year (2022). It wasn?t around this year.

check again 7 teams, 3 clubs involved

[magician]

Minmi going down and Croatia into ZPL is the mail I am hearing??
May aswel give them the free ride to NPL

[straightred88]

Nominations for zone closed on the 1st - no reason why each zone isn?t finalized and published by now.
NF asleep at the wheel again.

[ForeverRed]

Cardiff come last in 2023, So they should be relegated. If they are not relegated then the integrity of the competition and those that run it should be questioned.

Why have rules if they are not enforced.
Because no one was promoted, please don?t talk about integrity when teams chop and change yearly in zone PL

[Fred Devils]

Just cos nominations are in doesn't mean it's done and dusted. In the divisions that need a 3rd grade, last season there were 22 clubs, next season they need to have 24 clubs in these divisions. We know a couple of these clubs are out of ZL next season so that means they need to convince 3-5 clubs to nominate for a higher division. That takes time of communicating with clubs going back and forth. I'm sure next year's "ZL1" is done but they're probably waiting to know all the 3 grades before they push it out...

[riverboy]

Because no one was promoted, please don?t talk about integrity when teams chop and change yearly in zone PL

If you come last you should be relegated, Promote a team. Simple....
Probably too simple for you to understand...

[Bremsstrahlung]

All for promotion and relegation. But when it doesn’t go to plan, that’s when it becomes a bit contentious.


We saw it years ago in NBN State League days. First place in NEW FM didn't meet criteria so there was no relegation and promotion.

[magician]

If you come last you should be relegated, Promote a team. Simple....
Probably too simple for you to understand...

So promote a team that didn?t come first so doesn?t deserve it?? Bit too simple for you

[ForeverRed]

If you come last you should be relegated, Promote a team. Simple....
Probably too simple for you to understand...
You?re missing my point riverBOY, you are blaming Cardiff, the team who came first didn?t want promotion, ffs are you dumb or what

[Jim]

Just cos nominations are in doesn't mean it's done and dusted. In the divisions that need a 3rd grade, last season there were 22 clubs, next season they need to have 24 clubs in these divisions. We know a couple of these clubs are out of ZL next season so that means they need to convince 3-5 clubs to nominate for a higher division. That takes time of communicating with clubs going back and forth. I'm sure next year's "ZL1" is done but they're probably waiting to know all the 3 grades before they push it out...

If 3rd grade was optional there'd be no problems

[riverboy]

You?re missing my point riverBOY, you are blaming Cardiff, the team who came first didn?t want promotion, ffs are you dumb or what

Read my post Dumb arse, Promote A TEAM. I didn't mention anything about about the team coming first.

I'm not blaming cardiff, but the facts are they finished last.

[riverboy]

So promote a team that didn?t come first so doesn?t deserve it?? Bit too simple for you

I'm pretty sure there are EPL teams that got promoted without finishing first..... All I'm suggesting that there are rules that should be followed. It's pretty clear that some zpl clubs would rather have cardiff in the competition then Croatia or Croudace Bay.

[Luka Boban]

University didn't win anything in 2022 but got promoted to ZPL but funny how it's never mentioned ĺol.
In a perfect world where we have stability throughout all the clubs and divisions in NNSW, the process of promotion and relegation would be straightforward but it's not and hasn't been for years. Can't believe that some make such an issue about it because it's probably never going to be perfect and please everyone.

[Zonal Marking]

Not sure I’m 100% up to date with the latest going ons however since the old Crabs were not eligible to be promoted I do believe Cardiff should therefore remain in the division. unless the competition requires the extra numbers like last season you cant just put a team a team that hasnt properly earned the right to do so. Especially if they are replacing a long term mainstay of the competition.

[Taffy]

I'm pretty sure there are EPL teams that got promoted without finishing first..... All I'm suggesting that there are rules that should be followed. It's pretty clear that some zpl clubs would rather have cardiff in the competition then Croatia or Croudace Bay.

Cardiff is a good punching bag and an easy 3 points. Some ZPL clubs are scared of Crabs and Croatia and don't want either to threaten the cartel.

[Taffy]

University didn't win anything in 2022 but got promoted to ZPL but funny how it's never mentioned ĺol.
In a perfect world where we have stability throughout all the clubs and divisions in NNSW, the process of promotion and relegation would be straightforward but it's not and hasn't been for years. Can't believe that some make such an issue about it because it's probably never going to be perfect and please everyone.

Fortunately from 2024 there will be clear rules in place for promotion and relegation. Won't stop the old timers from having a whinge about it though.

[Lofty]

Cardiff is a good punching bag and an easy 3 points. Some ZPL clubs are scared of Crabs and Croatia and don't want either to threaten the cartel.

Seen this comment a few times now, quite funny.
If I were the crabs, I'd be pretty frustrated for not being able to be promoted. Seems a silly rule. But this rule was overlooked for the rebranded South Maitland, so maybe that trend could continue? They finished first, give them a crack. Not sure what clubs are scared? I think everyone would welcome them, Croatia or whoever else in.

[The Hacker]

Cardiff is a good punching bag and an easy 3 points. Some ZPL clubs are scared of Crabs and Croatia and don't want either to threaten the cartel.

This is where you are so far off. I think everyone acknowledges the Crabs should come up they earned it. And cause of Northerns rules of 2 clubs one division they had to move. Common sense and communication from the federation should happen between them and the Crabs to make it happen. The have earned it and deserve it. I believe they should be up as Croudace Bay next year
What people don?t agree with is Croatia who didn?t finish first ever thinking that they should take Cardiff?s place cause they think they are ?entitled? to it. They have been back as a club 2 minutes. Money doesn?t buy everything.
If they do come up it will be a good challenge and I?m sure they would buy some more players and be pushing the top 4

[anfield]

36 new teams in zone league is a really good step in the right direction.

My concern is that I can see some blow out scores in zl2 and zl3 where I think the difference between top to bottom could be big. I hope that I'm wrong. 22 rounds is alot of games especially if teams are struggling. The better teams come rounds 16 and 17 are waiting for finals and for teams at the bottom. We'll they can't wait for the season to be over.

As someone has discussed before, the best way to hold onto players is being successful. More teams missing finals means more clubs struggling to retain players. So many new clubs, we can't afford that to be one off seasons in zone league.

My idea would be to have 4 Zone League divisions. Top one should be called Zone Premier League as it's been for some time. Changing the name is ridiculous. The other grades would stay ZL1, ZL2 and ZL3.

ZPL would stay 12 teams, 22 games. I think the final series should be 6 teams. 1 and 2 get first week off. 3 host 6 and 4 host 5 in sudden death. Follow week 1 host lower ranked winner and 2 hosts higher ranked winner. Winners meet in grand final, simple. Done in 3 weeks.

ZL1, ZL2 and ZL3 play 21 rounds. 4 team final series.

ZL3 would be the grade with mostly new teams plus a few existing zone league clubs.

3 grades for ZPL and ZL1. The other divisions have 2 grades.

[Taffy]

Top one should be called Zone Premier League as it's been for some time. Changing the name is ridiculous. The other grades would stay ZL1, ZL2 and ZL3.

Well the top one is called Premier League, doesn't make sense for it to be National, maybe just Northern Premier League.

[straightred88]

This is where you are so far off. I think everyone acknowledges the Crabs should come up they earned it. And cause of Northerns rules of 2 clubs one division they had to move. Common sense and communication from the federation should happen between them and the Crabs to make it happen. The have earned it and deserve it. I believe they should be up as Croudace Bay next year
What people don?t agree with is Croatia who didn?t finish first ever thinking that they should take Cardiff?s place cause they think they are ?entitled? to it. They have been back as a club 2 minutes. Money doesn?t buy everything.
If they do come up it will be a good challenge and I?m sure they would buy some more players and be pushing the top 4

You are contradicting yourself Chad there buddy. One breath don?t deserve it next they could be top 4.

It?s never going to be proper Pro and Rel across all zone coz clubs drop in and out each year.

But IMO if you come last in any division you shouldn?t be rewarded and should be relegated. If first place from the comp below can?t go up for whatever reason then another club should go up.

I think the crabs initially were happy to have a kick around and then changed their mind and wanted to go higher. I?m told they had a agreement with ZPL Azzurri to swap places but the ZPL team backed out after agreeing hence
Why they left the Azzurri name altogether.

[Jardelsimage]

Fortunately from 2024 there will be clear rules in place for promotion and relegation. Won't stop the old timers from having a whinge about it though.

Well Taffy, the rules for promotion and relegation, will still not be 100% as you think.

Whoever wins ZPL or ZL1 (as it will be called) still has to fill certain criteria, which is nowhere near as bad as it was.
Northern will aid the sides who look like winning the comp to transition into the almighty NPL1 comp, but in the end, they will still need to fill certain obligations, grounds etc.

In the Zone side of things, it will run very similar to what happens currently.

I have deliberately stayed away from all the shit being flung on here, especially about Cardiff, but FM some of you blokes need a ****in life...

As for CCFC being a punching bag and an easy 3 points, knock us down we get back up, we have been doing this comp or division now for longer than anyone here currently, except Swansea who are the same as us.
We have had our ups and downs, that happens with clubs that have been around as long as us, even the Suns dropped a division over the years (look where they are now), unlike some clubs that have blown in and out over the years, they spend big, win the comp, then drop back down divisions or fold as some have over the years.

You can bag us all you like and call us names and say we don't deserve to stay, but in the end, it is what it is, we will play where they put us.

I also don't think anyone in the ZPL is scared of the Croats or the Crabs, but that's your opinion and you are entitled to it.

[The Hacker]

You are contradicting yourself Chad there buddy. One breath don?t deserve it next they could be top 4.

It?s never going to be proper Pro and Rel across all zone coz clubs drop in and out each year.

But IMO if you come last in any division you shouldn?t be rewarded and should be relegated. If first place from the comp below can?t go up for whatever reason then another club should go up.

I think the crabs initially were happy to have a kick around and then changed their mind and wanted to go higher. I?m told they had a agreement with ZPL Azzurri to swap places but the ZPL team backed out after agreeing hence
Why they left the Azzurri name altogether.

How did I contradict myself. Let me be clear

1. They have never finished first past the post. Which is what you need to do be promoted. So they have gone up divisions without ?earning it?. You are right with teams dropping out in divisions teams have gone up without ?earning it? and what usually happens is they struggle.

2. They would compete by paying more players and having a decent squad. Just cause they buy players to be competitive doesn?t mean they deserve it

Make it clearer

[Taffy]

I hope we still aren't pretending that Croatia are the only team that give financial incentives to players.

[The Hacker]

I hope we still aren't pretending that Croatia are the only team that give financial incentives to players.

There are paying rego?s and then there is giving blokes money each week. Both are ?paying players? just to different levels

[Jardelsimage]

I hope we still aren't pretending that Croatia are the only team that give financial incentives to players.

Why have you started this again, we all know what most clubs do, some more than others, but let it go FFS, sounds like you have once again gone fishing for what???

[Killa]

Why have you started this again, we all know what most clubs do, some more than others, but let it go FFS, sounds like you have once again gone fishing for what???
:grin: think you're underselling it there

[ForeverRed]

Up the tigers

[Jardelsimage]

:grin: think you're underselling it there

trying be diplomatic and not restart the general shit of who is paying who...

[Avocadomexican]

Any chance we can start a 2024 thread so we can leave some of the regular BS of paying players and more about the incoming season? Love to see when clubs are starting preseason trials, recruits etc

[Source]

Name change on the cards for one of the teams to croudace bay fc looking to go to zpl next year

[Fred Devils]

Seen this comment a few times now, quite funny.
If I were the crabs, I'd be pretty frustrated for not being able to be promoted. Seems a silly rule. But this rule was overlooked for the rebranded South Maitland, so maybe that trend could continue? They finished first, give them a crack. Not sure what clubs are scared? I think everyone would welcome them, Croatia or whoever else in.

Rule wasn't overlooked, others were asked prior and declined prior to SM getting asked and them accepting.

[straightred88]

Name change on the cards for one of the teams to croudace bay fc looking to go to zpl next year

Will be interesting to see if NF follow their own rules or do only clubs have to follow them.