TODAY (Thursday), is D-day for some of the top non-league Essex football clubs when the Football Association's leagues committee will decide who plays in what leagues next season.

Already surrounded by controversy over leaked proposals of league constitutions it could see Braintree Town playing in a new league but possible last-gasp relegation reprieves for both Heybridge Swifts and Witham Town.

Biggest losers locally could be Braintree Town who may well be shunted across from their current Blue Square South League into the northern section, meaning long treks to clubs like Blyth Spartans, Southport and Fleetwood.

It was also see the Iron lose out with attractive money-spinning local derbies against Chelmsford City and Bishop's Stortford plus adding huge travelling costs to the Cressing Road club's budget, which has already been forced to be cut by 20 per cent because of the current economic climate.

Iron chairman Lee Harding, whilst not relishing the prospect of playing in the northern section, said this week there was little they could do about if it happened.

"I've spoken to the FA and yes you can appeal against the decision but that's pretty useless really because it's heard by the same committee that makes the recommendations in the first place!" he declared. "In the past there have been 15 appeals but none have been successful."

Harding admits that missing out on big games against Chelmsford City would hit the club hard through income and interest.

"But if we are moved we will just have to get on with it and play in that section," he said. "It will mean more expense and long matchday journeys.

"Geographically we are 50 miles further south than Worcester City so really they should be the club to move if it's needed," her continued. "It would also mean we would literally have to pass Bishop's Stortford ground for the M11 every time we travelled to an away game."

City are also keen to keep their local derby games with the Iron which always attract bumper crowds with manager Jeff King saying: "It's laughable for Braintree to go into the northern section – they're an Essex side like us and southern-based side like us and everyone looks forward to a great atmosphere and game when we play each other."

Amid the constitutional row with clubs being shuttled across from leagues and others facing administration or closing down, there could still be slim chances for both Witham Town and Swifts being reprieved from relegation.

Town manager Danny Greaves has also slammed the hypocrisy of the Ryman League hierarchy in allowing a club to be promoted in their place despite not having a ground of their own.

"It makes a mockery of the whole league and its standing and is certainly creating a precedent," said Greaves. "I think it's shocking but then nothing surprises me today in football administration."

Town were relegated from the Ryman League Division One North last season after coming second from bottom and will be replaced by Romford.

"I've no qualms about being relegated because we finished in the relegation zone but to then find the league are proposing to promote Romford, who won the Essex Senior League, but have no ground of their own is contrary to all the rules," said Greaves.

Romford currently ground share at Aveley.

Swifts could also be reprieved in the big reshuffle but manager Wayne Bond is not banking on it. "You never know because Margate who finished above us in the relegation zone have already been reprieved," he said.