As we gradually get used to the idea that United is no longer a Football League club, we start to look forward to next season with a mixture of dread and anticipation. The dread comes with the thought that if we’re not careful we could be condemned to the depths for the long haul, with only one automatic promotion place available. The anticipation comes with the possibility that United might actually win a few games, and with the thought of all the new grounds to visit.

With this in mind, we are taking a greater interest than usual in the various goings on at this level. We were pleased that Halifax beat Grays Athletic 5-4 on aggregate in the Conference play off semi-final, because we’ve been to the Shay before, and because Grays is significantly closer than Halifax. The other Conference play off semi-final between Hereford United and Morecambe stands at 1-1, with the second leg taking place at Edgar Street tonight.

In other Conference news, Canvey Island have confirmed that they will not be taking part in the league next season, following the departure of owner Jeff King and the Canvey backroom staff to Chelmsford. This means that Tamworth, who finished second from bottom, will not be relegated. Meanwhile, Scarborough today announced that they have come out of administration. Had they not done so before the deadline of 31 May they too would have been relegated. They may still go down, having finished bottom of the Conference, should Altrincham be successful with their appeal against the deduction of 18 points for fielding a player who had not received international clearance. Alty’s hearing will take place on 23 May.

A number of clubs have been busy announcing which players they are retaining and which they are discarding like used cigarette ends. Among those suddenly finding themselves clubless are Sam Stockley, released by Colchester, Scott McNiven, whose tubby bot is no longer required by Chester, Mark Rawle, surplus to requirements at Gravesend & Northfleet, Adam Garner and Jon Richardson, out of favour at Forest Green Rovers (with Abdou Sall unable to be offered a new deal because he’s out of the country). Former Weymouth captain Matt Bound has joined Conference South side Eastleigh.