78% oppose play-off change proposal

castrust · March 2

Thank you to everyone who completed the CAST survey on the proposed changes to the play-off system whereby the 7th and 8th placed clubs would also be included.

Charlton fans who completed the survey were 78% against the changes. 19% were in favour.

85% agreed that the current system isn't broken so there is no reason to change it.

82% of respondents agreed that the proposals undermine the integrity of the league.

90% agree that there is too big a gap between 8th in The Championship and The Premier League

We understand that EFL clubs will be voting on the proposals shortly. We have informed our club that Charlton fans are not in favour.

The full results of the survey:

https://www.castrust.org/2026/03/strong-fan-opposition-to-proposed-play-off-changes/

valleynick66 · March 2

78% are going to be disappointed then ☹️

Kap10 · March 2

How did this breakdown by age group?

kinveachyaddick · March 2

Have to say I’m surprised by this. I assume the majority would like to see us have another crack at the top flight and in the near future there’s definitely more chance of that happening if 8th place can sneak into the play-offs.

Pico · March 2

Analysis of age shows:

under 34: (60 respondents) 76% against
35-44 (84) 83% against
45-54 (87) 72% against
55-64 (172) 78% against
65-74 (224) 81% against
75+ (91) 72% against

There were only 17 respondents under 24 but they were 81% against

Stig · March 2

kinveachyaddick said:

Have to say I’m surprised by this. I assume the majority would like to see us have another crack at the top flight and in the near future there’s definitely more chance of that happening if 8th place can sneak into the play-offs.

I've highlighted the key word there. I don't want us to 'sneak' into anything. I want us there on merit. That doesn't mean artificially lowering standards in the hope that we could be the beneficiaries. As it stands you have to be in the top quartile to make the play-offs. It seems odd that a team bad enough to finish below that level could be promoted. And it would be even odder if they could spend a year in the Prem and not suffer a humiliation that would make it look like Wolves did well this season.

Thanks to the Trust for organising this. I would say, I'm surprised at the results though. Surprised that 19% think this could be anything but a bad idea.

Chizz · March 3

The majority of fans believe the proposal would result in more midweek games. Is that really the case?

Chris_from_Sidcup · March 3

"90% agree that there is too big a gap between 8th in The Championship and The Premier League"

Would love to hear the viewpoint from the 10% who think there isn't a big gap.

Kap10 · March 3

Pico said:

Analysis of age shows:

under 34: (60 respondents) 76% against
35-44 (84) 83% against
45-54 (87) 72% against
55-64 (172) 78% against
65-74 (224) 81% against
75+ (91) 72% against

There were only 17 respondents under 24 but they were 81% against

That's pretty even across the board. I wondered and now proved incorrect if against would be skewed towards the older age groups. It's great to have unity across the age groups.

Chizz · March 3

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

"90% agree that there is too big a gap between 8th in The Championship and The Premier League"

Would love to hear the viewpoint from the 10% who think there isn't a big gap.

This question, in context, relies on the understanding that there isn't a gap that's too big between the 6th in the Championship and the Premier League. Because that's the status quo that the 90% are, de facto, arguing for.

So it boils down to the question, "is the gap between 6th in the Championship and 8th in the Championship too big?".

There is, of course, a very good way of determining that.

bobmunro · March 3

Chizz said:

The majority of fans believe the proposal would result in more midweek games. Is that really the case?

Potentially two more midweek games at the end of the season for the teams finishing 5th-8th who would have to play a two leg 'quarter-final'. But as they would be play-off games you would expect pretty large crowds so commercially not a revenue drain as normal poorly attended mid-week league games can be.

It's also possible that the regular season would need to end earlier to fit in the extra play-off games so there could be additional mid-week games during the season to compensate.

Basically another three or four mid-week games per season for some teams and a couple of extra ones for all teams.

Chris_from_Sidcup · March 3

bobmunro said:

Chizz said:

The majority of fans believe the proposal would result in more midweek games. Is that really the case?

Potentially two more midweek games at the end of the season for the teams finishing 5th-8th who would have to play a two leg 'quarter-final'. But as they would be play-off games you would expect pretty large crowds so commercially not a revenue drain as normal poorly attended mid-week league games can be.

It's also possible that the regular season would need to end earlier to fit in the extra play-off games so there could be additional mid-week games during the season to compensate.

Basically another three or four mid-week games per season for some teams and a couple of extra ones for all teams.

I think the proposal is for a single leg quarter final (so 5th and 6th would play 8th and 7th at home) and then the normal two-legged semi finals. So it is only adding in one game so not a major issue.

Chizz · March 3

bobmunro said:

Chizz said:

The majority of fans believe the proposal would result in more midweek games. Is that really the case?

Potentially two more midweek games at the end of the season for the teams finishing 5th-8th who would have to play a two leg 'quarter-final'. But as they would be play-off games you would expect pretty large crowds so commercially not a revenue drain as normal poorly attended mid-week league games can be.

It's also possible that the regular season would need to end earlier to fit in the extra play-off games so there could be additional mid-week games during the season to compensate.

Basically another three or four mid-week games per season for some teams and a couple of extra ones for all teams.

Thanks Bob. Currently, 5th and 6th have to play those "additional games" anyway; and it would be a reduction in midweek games for those in 3rd and 4th.

So, potentially, other than a potential additional home regular season game played midweek, those teams in 7th and 8th would have to play additional, end-of-season playoff games. I think that would be a very small price to pay for a playoff place.

bobmunro · March 3

Chizz said:

bobmunro said:

Chizz said:

The majority of fans believe the proposal would result in more midweek games. Is that really the case?

Potentially two more midweek games at the end of the season for the teams finishing 5th-8th who would have to play a two leg 'quarter-final'. But as they would be play-off games you would expect pretty large crowds so commercially not a revenue drain as normal poorly attended mid-week league games can be.

It's also possible that the regular season would need to end earlier to fit in the extra play-off games so there could be additional mid-week games during the season to compensate.

Basically another three or four mid-week games per season for some teams and a couple of extra ones for all teams.

Thanks Bob. Currently, 5th and 6th have to play those "additional games" anyway; and it would be a reduction in midweek games for those in 3rd and 4th.

So, potentially, other than a potential additional home regular season game played midweek, those teams in 7th and 8th would have to play additional, end-of-season playoff games. I think that would be a very small price to pay for a playoff place.

No.

Currently all the teams that finish in the play-offs have a two leg semi-final and one final. If we add 7th and 8th then there are no extra games for 3rd and 4th compared to now, but there would be extra games for the teams finishing 5th-8th.

I'm assuming in the above that it would work by teams 3 and 4 getting byes to the semi-final and the four teams 5th-8th would play a quarter-final (5th v 8th and 6th v 7th) for the right to play in the semi-final.

The extra games could be mitigated by making all play-off games one leg only with the highest finishing team having home advantage.

kinveachyaddick · March 3

Chizz said:

The majority of fans believe the proposal would result in more midweek games. Is that really the case?

Perhaps one or two more at most to create space for an extra round of play-off games

fenaddick · March 3

kinveachyaddick said:

Chizz said:

The majority of fans believe the proposal would result in more midweek games. Is that really the case?

Perhaps one or two more at most to create space for an extra round of play-off games

One or two in context of ten (very quick count) already scheduled midweek is a lot, you're then approaching 50% of home games that can't be 3pm on a Saturday. That's before you get to those that are moved

TellyTubby · March 3

kinveachyaddick said:

Have to say I’m surprised by this. I assume the majority would like to see us have another crack at the top flight and in the near future there’s definitely more chance of that happening if 8th place can sneak into the play-offs.

I'm amazed so many think this hairbrained scheme is a good idea. I assumed it would have been at least 95% against, with 5% ticking the wrong box in error.

Crispywood · March 3

TellyTubby said:

kinveachyaddick said:

Have to say I’m surprised by this. I assume the majority would like to see us have another crack at the top flight and in the near future there’s definitely more chance of that happening if 8th place can sneak into the play-offs.

I'm amazed so many think this hairbrained scheme is a good idea. I assumed it would have been at least 95% against, with 5% ticking the wrong box in error.

I’m against it but, it does statistically give clubs lower down a better chance of promotion. All the big budget teams that expect to finish top 6 year on year will be against it but for the bottom clubs that at best can sneak top half finishes would be for it because they have everything to gain nothing to lose

stoneroses19 · March 3

kinveachyaddick said:

Have to say I’m surprised by this. I assume the majority would like to see us have another crack at the top flight and in the near future there’s definitely more chance of that happening if 8th place can sneak into the play-offs.

Whereas I am surprised as many as 19% are in favour.

Its too simple view to say you should be in favour as 8th gives more chance of us being promoted to premier league. There's far more to it than that.

Chizz · March 3

Crispywood said:

TellyTubby said:

kinveachyaddick said:

Have to say I’m surprised by this. I assume the majority would like to see us have another crack at the top flight and in the near future there’s definitely more chance of that happening if 8th place can sneak into the play-offs.

I'm amazed so many think this hairbrained scheme is a good idea. I assumed it would have been at least 95% against, with 5% ticking the wrong box in error.

I’m against it but, it does statistically give clubs lower down a better chance of promotion. All the big budget teams that expect to finish top 6 year on year will be against it but for the bottom clubs that at best can sneak top half finishes would be for it because they have everything to gain nothing to lose

A lot more clubs would have a lot more to play for, for a lot longer at the end of the season.

bobmunro · March 3

Crispywood said:

TellyTubby said:

kinveachyaddick said:

Have to say I’m surprised by this. I assume the majority would like to see us have another crack at the top flight and in the near future there’s definitely more chance of that happening if 8th place can sneak into the play-offs.

I'm amazed so many think this hairbrained scheme is a good idea. I assumed it would have been at least 95% against, with 5% ticking the wrong box in error.

I’m against it but, it does statistically give clubs lower down a better chance of promotion. All the big budget teams that expect to finish top 6 year on year will be against it but for the bottom clubs that at best can sneak top half finishes would be for it because they have everything to gain nothing to lose

I'm not sure they will, besides a lot of those big budget teams would prefer to avoid a near miss 7th or 8th by having a bigger safety net.

I would expect the vote by the clubs to be close to unanimously in favour.

Chris_from_Sidcup · March 3

Crispywood said:

TellyTubby said:

kinveachyaddick said:

Have to say I’m surprised by this. I assume the majority would like to see us have another crack at the top flight and in the near future there’s definitely more chance of that happening if 8th place can sneak into the play-offs.

I'm amazed so many think this hairbrained scheme is a good idea. I assumed it would have been at least 95% against, with 5% ticking the wrong box in error.

I’m against it but, it does statistically give clubs lower down a better chance of promotion. All the big budget teams that expect to finish top 6 year on year will be against it but for the bottom clubs that at best can sneak top half finishes would be for it because they have everything to gain nothing to lose

Why?

sam3110 · March 3

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

"90% agree that there is too big a gap between 8th in The Championship and The Premier League"

Would love to hear the viewpoint from the 10% who think there isn't a big gap.

(Gonna say right now I agreed it's too large, but I'm also going to play devil's advocate right now.)

Right now Southampton are 7th in the table and missing out on the playoffs as it stands, however this is largely due to their shocking start to the season, and are currently the form side in the whole league.

I reckon if they played any of the bottom 5 of the Premier League right now they'd probably win, so technically the gap isn't that big.

Derby, who are actually 8th, Vs someone in the top 6? It would be a massacre

CharltonManor1966 · March 3

Thought that In the National League the quarter final is just one game with the 7th placed team playing at home?
Small point and might be wrong??

CharltonManor1966 · March 3

sam3110 said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

"90% agree that there is too big a gap between 8th in The Championship and The Premier League"

Would love to hear the viewpoint from the 10% who think there isn't a big gap.

(Gonna say right now I agreed it's too large, but I'm also going to play devil's advocate right now.)

Right now Southampton are 7th in the table and missing out on the playoffs as it stands, however this is largely due to their shocking start to the season, and are currently the form side in the whole league.

I reckon if they played any of the bottom 5 of the Premier League right now they'd probably win, so technically the gap isn't that big.

Derby, who are actually 8th, Vs someone in the top 6? It would be a massacre

I 'm not so sure about that one mate, especially over 2 legs.

Crispywood · March 3

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Crispywood said:

TellyTubby said:

kinveachyaddick said:

Have to say I’m surprised by this. I assume the majority would like to see us have another crack at the top flight and in the near future there’s definitely more chance of that happening if 8th place can sneak into the play-offs.

I'm amazed so many think this hairbrained scheme is a good idea. I assumed it would have been at least 95% against, with 5% ticking the wrong box in error.

I’m against it but, it does statistically give clubs lower down a better chance of promotion. All the big budget teams that expect to finish top 6 year on year will be against it but for the bottom clubs that at best can sneak top half finishes would be for it because they have everything to gain nothing to lose

Why?

If you’re a team who has a top 2-top 6 budget and you’re likely to finish in that area. Yes finishing 7-8th gives more opportunity to have a chance of promotion. But imagine you finish 5th and now suddenly you’re chance of promotion is greatly reduced because you now have to beat 3 teams opposed to 2.

bobmunro · March 3

Crispywood said:

Chris_from_Sidcup said:

Crispywood said:

TellyTubby said:

kinveachyaddick said:

Have to say I’m surprised by this. I assume the majority would like to see us have another crack at the top flight and in the near future there’s definitely more chance of that happening if 8th place can sneak into the play-offs.

I'm amazed so many think this hairbrained scheme is a good idea. I assumed it would have been at least 95% against, with 5% ticking the wrong box in error.

I’m against it but, it does statistically give clubs lower down a better chance of promotion. All the big budget teams that expect to finish top 6 year on year will be against it but for the bottom clubs that at best can sneak top half finishes would be for it because they have everything to gain nothing to lose

Why?

If you’re a team who has a top 2-top 6 budget and you’re likely to finish in that area. Yes finishing 7-8th gives more opportunity to have a chance of promotion. But imagine you finish 5th and now suddenly you’re chance of promotion is greatly reduced because you now have to beat 3 teams opposed to 2.

My point was that if these mega clubs just missed out in finishing top 6 they would have an insurance policy. Likely to finish top 6 isn't finishing top 6.

78% oppose play-off change proposal

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