Auld Heid

Ambition over reality again.

Well that makes you one as well. Committee aren't self appointed - you get who you vote for. Or as in most cases the only people willing to do it. We are in exact the same boat.

Bo'ness/Linlithgow are likely to follow each others lead. Pretty sure many of the old guard within both committee's are looking at each other to show their hand as to their next move. Most players look at the £'s on offer first Totally agree - absolutely no faith in the SJFA - the only plus that TJ sits on all the main boards so may have the ear of some.

That's where we differ. I believe associations run football for members overseen by the SFA. What is happening is the demise/break-up of the SJFA due to the failure of the SFA to follow through logically from when they started the LL. The SJFA are reacting to this after the horse has bolted - the EoS have saw an opportunity to increase their power and the SFA continue to sit back and let this happen. Not every club will benefit - for every winner there is always losers. Ultimately by letting teams move purely on application is no guarantee of improving the EoS it could also be detrimental to some of their existing members. This is why I feel there should have been a proper transparent process - agreed by associations and clubs.

My gripe is with the football authorities - when the LL started, the SFA stopped and forgot about the rest and pushing to create a proper pathway from top to bottom. Without due process and rules you eventually end up with the chaos. Clubs continue in the EoS league, unable to progress as still don't meet LL criteria(?) - the LL isn't a new concept existing clubs in the EoS should have all been in a position by now to progress. Surely participation must involve meeting that criteria to progress to LL - or the whole concept breaks down. Kelty when accepted - had shown on and off the field they would enhance the EoS and would quickly meet the criteria to enable progression to the LL if successful on the park. How many of the current applicants would be in a position to progress to the LL within a season of joining the EoS? Surely this should be a must for teams joining Linlithgow have made all the right moves to embrace change - unfortunately having done so they are now dithering over how to take the next step - sticking their faith in the SJFA to negotiate a pathway.

Our members have not been afforded the opportunity to discuss or decide as yet. For me the EoS routeway is by far the most sensible option available. It feels like a loyalty approach by our committee to work with sjfa towards the next step (we have been members for almost 130 years) But personally I don't think allowing just anyone apply is the best way forward for the EoS either. Are they raising standards or just numbers by allowing all to apply. Footballing ability doesn't seem to matter. Are all their members on-board with so many new members and knock on effect that could bring.

Not true There was no requirement for Linlithgow to join the LL or pyramid when we applied for our licence. However there was a caveat added that this condition may be added at a later date. Since we obtained the licence the SFA have done very little to enhance the pyramid concept. Linlithgow voted in favour of the SJFA proposal so that is embracing the concept but doing it via our ruling body the SJFA. This route would be progress through football rather than an application form.

Wrong - I'm unhappy at the ineptitude shown by The SFA to lead proper change from the top. Instead we have a free for all.

Or you could always go with - "if at first you don't succeed then let's move" certainly beats natural progression.

The EoS and SoS aren't exactly great leagues either - they do offer more than the current junior set up - which has been allowed to slowly die. The SJFA only moved because of clubs leaving. Whilst I understand the EoS desire to build their own league - they should be careful to consider if it's quality or quantity they want.

Very true. When the Super League first started they involved the members at every stage to ensure as the elected committee they were best serving the members they represent.

You should approach one of the older committee and ask them why - now that would be interesting.

What's the actual story around the Camelon application - I believe the decision was made against the wishes of many and without consultation?

Awaiting the SJFA to negotiate our rightful position in the premier league.

What were the 3 questions?

Everything without realism you could end up with chaos. Teams are being left in limbo to make decisions without guidance from footballing authorities. What happens if the East juniors move en masse to the EoS? All applications would be equal so chaos ensues when they have to choose which league a team goes to. Who gets the preference? Kelty moving was a warning not heeded by either the SFA or SJFA

What about realism? Where does that fit into the equation. There is a very fine line between ambition and recklessness.

Correct

TJ the link between juniors and senior, who sits on several highly influential committees. When member clubs looked for leadership there was none, now the horse has bolted he is trying to dictate terms that are unlikely to be acceptable to other associations. When his actions fail - he will point fingers at everyone else. The Junior Cup was a prestigious tournament in 2000 where the prize money was exactly the same as today - only difference it's not being paid via a sponsor as there is none again this year. Clearly not as prestigious as it once was - either that or it's not being marketed well by TJ.

Given the previous reluctance of the SJFA to discuss change - was their move to consult clubs engineered from above?

That's pretty much how Community Football runs is it not? Kids paying to train and play - it's frightening how much some parents fork out on a weekly/monthly basis. Some of these clubs are more financially secure than many amateur/junior/senior clubs.

Totally agree with this - Linlithgow are in a slightly differing position due to location. Unfortunately the SJFA are killing junior football, for all the Scottish Cups won you won't have made a penny for what is basically a financially redundant competition.

I like this post - pretty accurate there are clubs in leagues/levels not appropriate to their overall situation.

Owners? How does that structure work. Most clubs the members own the club and appoint a committee on their behalf to run/manage on a day to day basis.

It's simple maths that I base my opinion on. In a population of 5 million the more teams you have then you dilute standards. Less teams would increase standards as the better players would be spread out between less teams. We have small towns with multiple teams in areas of limited population only dilutes standards/money/support. Imagine if just one team the whole town could get behind. As I said my opinion nothing to do where I come from or support. I could have used another sport and show the same issues with over provision in a small area. 3 clubs failing to extinction instead of coming together to survive and thrive.