Rochdale forward Ian Henderson has voiced support for a third promotion spot from the National League to the English Football League (EFL). The 41-year-old veteran believes the change would make the fifth tier more competitive and complete.
Currently, only two teams secure promotion each season—the champions and the play-off winners. However, the National League and its 72 clubs launched the '3UP' campaign in February 2025, calling on EFL clubs to vote for an additional promotion place. The proposal has gained backing from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and 60 MPs, as well as former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling, who joined the National League as an ambassador.
Henderson, who scored the winner in Rochdale's 3-2 victory over Tamworth, told Mirror Football: 'Would I be open to three teams going up? Potentially, yes. You see some really big clubs that have stayed at this level for a long time. It is a relentless league.' He added that adding a third promotion spot could create 'a more complete or competitive league.'
Rochdale currently lead the National League with 94 points from 39 matches, two points ahead of York City with a game in hand. Henderson emphasised the intensity of the title race, saying: 'There's still a lot of swings to happen. I've been here before.'
Despite the campaign's momentum, the EFL has yet to agree to the change, maintaining the two-up, two-down system. The National League staged a round of matches with three-minute delayed kick-offs to highlight their push for reform.
