Playout/Playoff matches

[Harry Lime]

I'm trying to remember if and when we experimented with these over here?
I quite like them, it adds another layer of drama.
We've accepted the playoff format as the norm, so why not the playout?
I think the German format of the 3rd bottom team playing the 3rd placed team in the next league down is best. Serie B in Italy have a more straightforward playout with the 3rd and 4th bottom teams playing out over 2 legs.

[the other bob wilson]

I'm trying to remember if and when we experimented with these over here?
I quite like them, it adds another layer of drama.
We've accepted the playoff format as the norm, so why not the playout?
I think the German format of the 3rd bottom team playing the 3rd placed team in the next league down is best. Serie B in Italy have a more straightforward playout with the 3rd and 4th bottom teams playing out over 2 legs.

When Play Offs were first introduced in this country in the late 80s, the team which finished just above the relegation places were one of the four teams taking part along with the three sides from the lower division that finished closest tot he automatic promotion places. From memory, the format only lasted two or three seasons and I can't recall why it was changed to the current one (think it happened before the formation of the Premier League), but I've always thought it was a shame to change it.

[Harry Lime]

When Play Offs were first introduced in this country in the late 80s, the team which finished just above the relegation places were one of the four teams taking part along with the three sides from the lower division that finished closest tot he automatic promotion places. From memory, the format only lasted two or three seasons and I can't recall why it was changed to the current one (think it happened before the formation of the Premier League), but I've always thought it was a shame to change it.

That's right, I thought it was a brief experiment.
I'm wondering if it was brought in at the same time as the playoffs? If so, perhaps it was seen as a step too far. The playoffs initially came up against a fair bit of resistance as I recall.
I also seem to remember us getting promoted automatically and Swansea also going up having finished 7th, fifteen points behind us.
I bet there was some moans about the playoff format on here that season 😂

[the other bob wilson]

That's right, I thought it was a brief experiment.
I'm wondering if it was brought in at the same time as the playoffs? If so, perhaps it was seen as a step too far. The playoffs initially came up against a fair bit of resistance as I recall.
I also seem to remember us getting promoted automatically and Swansea also going up having finished 7th, fifteen points behind us.
I bet there was some moans about the playoff format on here that season 😂

Yes, I’m sure it was part of the Play Offs when they were introduced in 1987 I believe it was. I have a feeling that season you’re talking about was 87/88 when we got promoted under Frank Burrows and Swansea beat Rotherham who were one above the relegation places in the third tier in the Semi Final.

[Father Dougal]

Teams just above relegation being involved in play offs with Teams just outside automatic promotion from the league below makes absolute sense.

[lardy]

When Play Offs were first introduced in this country in the late 80s, the team which finished just above the relegation places were one of the four teams taking part along with the three sides from the lower division that finished closest tot he automatic promotion places. From memory, the format only lasted two or three seasons and I can't recall why it was changed to the current one (think it happened before the formation of the Premier League), but I've always thought it was a shame to change it.

I think the higher division playoff spot was only for the first season. Could be wrong about that.

[the other bob wilson]

I think the higher division playoff spot was only for the first season. Could be wrong about that.

Just looked it up and the Play Offs were introduced in 86/87 with the system i described, except it was the team that finished in the last relegation place that went into the Play Offs, so it was still three up and three down in Divs 1 and 2 with four down and four up between Divs 3 and 4.

The same system applied in 87/88, but was discontinued after that - no reason is given on Wikipedia as to why.

[lardy]

Just looked it up and the Play Offs were introduced in 86/87 with the system i described, except it was the team that finished in the last relegation place that went into the Play Offs, so it was still three up and three down in Divs 1 and 2 with four down and four up between Divs 3 and 4.

The same system applied in 87/88, but was discontinued after that - no reason is given on Wikipedia as to why.

Ah, I thought the first season was 87/88.

[A Quiet Monkfish]

When Play Offs were first introduced in this country in the late 80s, the team which finished just above the relegation places were one of the four teams taking part along with the three sides from the lower division that finished closest tot he automatic promotion places. From memory, the format only lasted two or three seasons and I can't recall why it was changed to the current one (think it happened before the formation of the Premier League), but I've always thought it was a shame to change it.

Based on recent years the Championship sides would lose hands down every single time. The gap in finances and squad strengths would be massive..

[Swiss Peter]

Based on recent years the Championship sides would lose hands down every single time. The gap in finances and squad strengths would be massive..

Yes, I think you're right. Even in the Bundesliga where that gap is arguably smaller, the higher level team has won 13 of the last 16 in this format. (Some have been very close though!).

[Bluebirdman Of Alcathays]

I don't like that system - the prize for the team in the higher division is not to get relegated. Just doesn't seem like a positive scenario. Also, we wouldn't have gone up in 2003 if the play-offs were 3rd-5th from our division and a team from the one above.

[William Treseder]

Bit over dramatic from Jones to say the least 😁