Who is in National League 2019/20?

I see the Gateshead saga has taken a few twists and turns in the last few days.

It currently looks like we will be playing Aldershot as Gateshead has been kicked out.

Gateshead has the right to appeal - so still not 100% certain.

I cannot see how Gateshead could possibly be competitive in the National Premier even if they could jump through hoops to start the season. In the circumstances, it would be difficult for a club of "our size".

Last season Gateshead had less than a third of our gate - in a season they competed strongly for promotion to the Football League. Their location is not much more helpful than ours, their ground far less suitable and less income-generative than ours. They are certainly no Chester, Halifax, Darlington, Aldershot or Newport in terms of fan backing.

Let's hope the club can survive and rely on the FA's discretion as to where they would be placed - anywhere from step 2 to 5 (National League North to Northern League). They would not be particularly out of place at step 3. A phoenix would probably be looking at step 7.

Contrary to what you may read elsewhere, Truro City would NOT be reprieved if Gateshead collapsed or were placed at step 3 or lower.

Warrington would be placed in National League North - if that place was not offered to Gateshead.

Either way, Oxford City would benefit by being allowed to stay in the South in place of Aldershot.