Non-league standards are high but our academy players are poached for nothing | Josh Gowling

Hereford’s manager argues football’s financial divide demands a rethink to protect non-league clubs that produce talent

It feels strange to say this now, but early in my playing career I would look down on the National League. It was known as the Conference then and there was a perception that it bore no comparison to the standard in the Football League. Few people would voluntarily take a step down to that level.

Now everything has changed. I would go as far as saying that the top flight of the National League is of a higher standard than League Two. The final weekend of the season looks tantalising: Stockport will be guaranteed to go up if they draw with FC Halifax Town and, whether they or Wrexham take top spot, you would fancy whichever side misses out to do well in the playoffs. There are massive clubs looking for a league return – Notts County, Grimsby and Chesterfield too – and you would not bet against any of them getting successive promotions if they make it.