HEREFORD United have backed the Nationwide Conference's decision to hold end-of-season play-offs to determine who will join the champions in promotion to the Football League.

It follows the League's decision to promote two non-league clubs next season with two coming down from the Third Division.

The Conference champions will gain automatic entry but the next four teams will take part in play-offs for the second promotion spot

Bulls' director Joan Fennessy said the move paved the way for a more exciting season for a league that traditionally often becomes a two horse race after Christmas.

"We're delighted with the decision because it opens up the season for us and other clubs and that has to be good for football all round," she said.

"Prior to this your season could be over by Christmas but with this format there is still a chance to be in contention even if one team is racing away with it and I'm sure it will make a big difference."

The champions will automatically go up and the next four clubs will go into a play-off with two-legged semi-finals and a single-legged final.