‘The National League is the third league’ – inside the 3UP non-league campaign

Of the 20 clubs relegated from League Two since 2015, eight have since won promotion to the fourth tier – Barnet, Oldham, Grimsby, Notts County, Chesterfield, Leyton Orient, Cheltenham and Tranmere.

The clubs who paid the heaviest price are Dagenham & Redbridge, who were relegated to the National League South last season after nine years in the National League, and Macclesfield Town – although the club was disbanded due to financial problems that began while it was still in League Two.

The Silkmen have since returned to the National League North after being re-established as Phoenix Macclesfield FC.

“The counter-argument for clubs withdrawing from the Premier League is that the National League represents a safety net,” Thompson said.

“If you look at some of the clubs that have been relegated over the years, they have been in real trouble.

“But the National League was there, it’s a well-run professional league, and those clubs were able to regroup and get back on their feet.

“So I think the extra promotion place will benefit the Premier League clubs because it will be easier for them to come back.”

Thompson also fears that continuing to make it “extremely difficult” for promotion to League Two will force some National League club owners to pull out.

He added: “This will be at the expense of football.”