The National League have confirmed a range of Key Dates ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Time to pop the following dates in the diary…
Fixtures will be released on Wednesday 5th of July (1pm), plenty of local derby fixtures for the Glovers this year and it’s on this date when we will find out which side gets the prime Christmas and New Year spots.
Speaking of which, alongside a Boxing Day clash, there will be a game on Saturday 23rd and for New Years’ Day (Monday 1st Jan)- however it is noted that teams are permitted to roll that fixture back 48 hours to Saturday 30th December should all parties agree.
The season starts on Saturday 5th of August and finishes 260 days later on April 20th 2024.
The play-offs kick off just three days later with the Eliminators with the Final of the post-season knockout competition on Sunday May the 5th for both the North and South divisions.
As an aside, the National League Play Off Final has already been declared for Wembley 24 hours prior, but no mention is given to a location for the NLS/NLN versions – there had been some debate about switching it from the home venue of the highest placed Play-Off contender to a neutral venue, but this has not been confirmed.
One assumes the open top bus tour around Yeovil will take place 24-48 hours after the final day of the regular season… maybe.
A full list of the 2023/24 Vanarama National League key dates are as follows:
• Fixture Release Day – Wednesday 5 July 2023, 1pm
• Opening Day – Saturday 5 August 2023
• Closing Day – Saturday 20 April 2024
• Play-Off Eliminator A (5th v 6th) – Tuesday 23 April 2024
• Play-Eliminator B (4th v 7th) – Wednesday 24 April 2024
• Play-Off Semi-Finals – Sunday 28 April 2024
• National League Promotion Final – Saturday 4 May 2024
• National League North/South Promotion Finals – Sunday 5 May 2024
Talk about counting chickens, Open top bus parade 24 hours after regular season indeed……will be lucky to be in existence! Should never be playing at this level again.
I’d heard a rumour that with the Octagon being closed and so many derbies to fit in, there will be a matinee and an evening performance on Boxing Day (oh no there won’t!)