The champions of the Conference will automatically go up to the Third Division and then the next four teams will face a knock-out competition along the lines of the system in use in Divisions One, Two and Three.

Conference chief executive John Moules said: `I am thrilled that a lot of hard work over the last few years has come to fruition and that next season we look forward to introducing play-offs for the first time.

`The champions will automatically go up and the next four clubs will go into a play-off. There will be two-legged semi-finals and a single-legged final.'

But the Nationwide League were quick to point out that any club whose ground failed to meet their criteria would miss out - even if they finish as champions.

`It's the same,' said League spokesman John Nagle. `In order to be promoted you have to have your ground up to scratch.

`The Conference have already put this into their rules and regulations which says that in order to get into the play-off and compete for the second place you have to have your ground up to scratch anyway.

`Only clubs who have their grounds up to scratch will compete in the Conference play-offs for that second place and they will be able to go for promotion.

`But if you look at it now, out of the 22 clubs in the Conference that's 14 or 15 now that have their grounds up to scratch.

`So it really is less of a problem now than it's been. There's just a few where there are still problems.'

The member clubs voted in favour of the changes, and the plans were formally ratified at today's Football League annual general meeting.

One of the main issues which was ironed out was an agreement on payments to clubs in the event of relegation from the League to help prevent them going out of business.

Football League chief executive David Burns said: `Twelve months ago this step was rejected because of the absence of a suitable financial package.

`I am very glad to say that this is no longer the case and I would like to thank the Football Association for the role they have played in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion.'

The historic change, which received the overwhelming support at the meeting of all 72 member clubs of the Football League, was made possible after a funding package worth £6million over the next five years was agreed with the FA.

As a result, all Third Division clubs will receive £50,000 at the start of each of the next five seasons as a compensatory payment for the increased likelihood of them losing their League status.

The two promoted clubs will receive £35,000 and, in addition, parachute payments will be made to the two relegated clubs for one season.

Burns continued: `I would also like to pay tribute to John Moules, the chief executive of the Football Conference, for his sensible and consistent approach to negotiating and acceptable resolution.

`The Conference has been a national league for over 20 years with crowds now averaging over 1,500.

`There is no doubt that this extra promotion place will enable it to enhance and add to its appeal and this can only be good for football as a whole.'

Dagenham & Redbridge were just pipped by Boston for promotion to the Football League last season, and Daggers chairman David Andrews welcomed the decision.

He said: `It's great news and gives the Conference a chance of a play-off situation for second place and it will bring in more revenue.

`It will keep the excitement going right up to the end of the season which can only be good for the league.

`It gives everyone a lift and keeps the latter part of the season alive for teams that are even in 10th position.

`It's great news for everybody so I am personally over the moon. The attendances would increase and who knows what can happen in the future?'

Meanwhile, the Football League have also implemented a new rule that clubs can now have four players on short-term loans and four on longer-term loans.