Play-offs work fine as they are, says Chesterfield manager
Chesterfield chief Paul Cook doesn’t see a need to expand the number of teams that take part in the League Two play-offs.
This season the Championship has introduced a play-off system which has increased the qualifying positions from four to six.
League One representatives have put forward a proposal to do the same and it isn’t out of the question that the conversation might involve League Two level at some point in the future.
Unlike the two higher divisions, three teams rather two go up automatically from League Two, meaning a revised play-off frame could include the team that finishes as low as ninth.
Cook is minded to leave well alone.
“I think the systems we have are quite good and fair. I enjoy them,” he told the Derbyshire Times.
"In our league three go up automatically, which is brilliant, and then you go down to seventh for the play-offs. Having the play-off finals at Wembley has been brilliant for the game.
"I’m not great for charge, albeit if change is for the best and people want it then I would go with it.”
The exception for the Cook is the National League, where the gateway to promotion for only two teams – one automatically and one via the play-offs – has been a constant bone of contention for its member clubs.
“My only gripe as a manager who has managed in the ‘Conference’ is that it is unfair that for the amount of teams in there that only two go up,” he said.
"People should be more respectful how difficult a division that is for the teams trying to get out. I think in a really tough, competitive league there should be two teams promoted automatically and one from the play-offs.
"I don't understand why that hasn’t been carried forward. I know people will say it’s on a vote and different stuff but I feel that’s unfair."
Cook remains alive to the potential injustices of the play-offs system, not least three years ago when his side played Notts County in the National League play-off final.
"They finished the regular season 23 points above us,” he said.
"I was OK with losing believe it or not because I felt it would have been very unfair for Notts County not to go up when you’ve got that amount of points between two teams.
"Of course if that’s the system in place then you go with it. We all know the rules. You can finish seventh in League Two or fourth and you’re in the play-offs.”
Chesterfield, ironically, snicked into the play-off frame despite being pegged back to draw 2-2 away to Crawley Town last week.
They go to Port Vale on Saturday before a home date with Colchester United on Tuesday.
“To be in the play-off frame is good but is good but it could have been a lot better,” said assistant manager Danny Webb.