CHRIS Reeves hopes Poole Town’s failed appeal against being barred from taking part in the National League South play-offs will result in a rule change.

Vice-chairman Reeves today put Poole’s case to an independent regulatory commission at Wembley which upheld the National League’s original decision following a two-hour meeting, writes Neil Perrett.

Poole were one of four clubs to attend a consolidated hearing – with National South rivals Hungerford and Wealdstone, together with National North outfit Darlington, receiving the same judgement.

The quartet all fell foul of the same regulation as their respective home venues did not have 500 seats under cover by the March 31 deadline.

Although Poole’s Black Gold Stadium was last month given a category B grading – allowing them to remain in National South – they were told they would not be permitted to participate in the play-offs should they qualify.

While the appeal ultimately fell on deaf ears, Reeves confirmed the decision had been referred back to the FA Leagues Committee and the National League for “further consideration”.

He told the (Bournemouth) Daily Echo: “If the rule is changed as a result of the appeal board’s referral then it would make our lives next season so much easier because we would have an extra 12 months to prepare for the next step of our journey.

“It would mean we would be able to go all out for promotion, knowing that if we were to get it, we would be able to put in place plans during the course of the season and action them very promptly and make sure we satisfied the criteria.”

Reflecting on the decision, Reeves added: “I think we have performed miracles to transform the Black Gold Stadium and to hold on to our National South status.

“My overall emotion is one of pride in what we have achieved and satisfaction that we have made a very firm and positive point.

“I have huge pride in what we have achieved in terms of the upgrade, the way the team has performed this season and in the quality of the management team we have.

“I also have a huge amount of satisfaction that by taking our case to the highest appeal tribunal within football, they have referred it for further consideration on the basis of what they heard.”

Reeves also urged the local football fraternity to turn out in numbers for Poole’s final game of the season against Dartford – who will feature in the play-offs – at the Black Gold Stadium on Saturday.

He said: “It is the last game of a fantastic season and the players deserve a good turn-out. The club desperately needs it financially and there is nothing else on locally.

" Anybody who hasn’t seen the Black Gold Stadium since it has been refurbished will get a nice surprise.”