patriot1

So I believe it was confirmed at last night's meeting that as some of us have said in this forum the LL/HL dividing line only applies to teams being relegated from the SPFL. What that means in practical terms is that any team can apply to the EOS(Orkney was used as an example last night) and it would be up to the clubs to decide if they get in. In other words there is nothing to stop any Tayside junior team from applying next year. Ps, I don't believe Livingston received any mention last night.

Will the SFA allow a 20 team top division?

I doubt that the LL will cancel promotion. The bigger question is whether you get your licence thereby allowing you to be promoted. As we've seen with the WOS today when it comes to the SFA anything is possible.

https://m.clydefc.co.uk/news/2020/04/27/6408/#.Xqf3LLfTVkw It appears highly unlikely that there will be any agreement on a new set up so suspect Kelty and Brora are screwed. What do Clyde mean by the pyramid system needing reviewed?

Chris Strain is being interviewed between now and 2pm on Off the Ball.

All I did was ask a question? What circumstances would lead to teams wanting to return to the West Region Juniors from an extremely similar set up in the WOSFL? Was Glensmad being sensitive when he pointed out that there will be no West Region JFA next season?

Considering that the "smaller clubs" are going to be playing in virtually the same league set up against mainly the same teams as they have played in recent years in what way may the WOSFL not work out for them? For many clubs in the West the only difference is that they are now part of a unified pyramid set up in which if they are ever good enough to do so they can rise through the divisions as far as they can.

I believe it's the SFA AGM in June.

Yes. I believe it a 3 year deal with Dalkeith.

I'm fully aware that the East Region have voided the season. However what happens to the East Regions representative in the Scottish Cup? Is no one getting the ER's place? Did they even think of that before becoming the only league in Scotland to go null and void?

No reason to award titles? As has been pointed out the West Region have to put a champion forward to play in the Scottish Cup. Any news from the East on who's being put forward for the Scottish?

I think that's a fair point of view but the thing to remember is that it was the clubs who voted for conferences. And that's one of the great things about the EOS, where possible they let the club's decide. It's the same with Thortons application and the fate of the 19-20 season, both going to democratic votes.

The fence doesn't need to be completed for the start of next season. All accepted applicants will have 12 months to meet the EOS criteria for their parks.

I actually meant anything in the rules about teams North of the divide being promoted to the LL. As far as I'm aware the dividing line only applies to teams being relegated to the HL or LL rather than teams being promoted to them.

I dont recall Kirkcaldy's fence being upto much unless it's since changed. I popped along to see the ground this week. They have a railing round the pitch and a five foot wire fence round the ground but I believe they have planning permission for a larger, more permanent fence. They have a new committee and I believe plans to improve their ground so hopefully they are on their way back after a few lean years. It's only about 5 years since I watched them beat Dundonald in a promotion decider in front of a big crowd so the potential is definitely there.

Anything on clubs being promoted to the Lowland League?

It is. I believe all the Fife applicants have work to do on their grounds to meet the EOS criteria but they will be given 12 months to do so.

Not sure what part Covid plays in which league Fauldhouse play in and WOSFL wouldn't be a good enough reason. Plus we've yet to see any indication that the Hoose or any other West Lothian have any interest in applying.

Whatever each club is comfortable with. St Andrews dropped the word from our name.

Not this year they can't, it's too late.

Excellent statement from Mark. Null and void is by far and away the worst option as it means that everything that every team was playing for was all for nothing. With other options there will be winners and losers. With null and void everyone loses. I take it supporters will now be refunded for paying into games that no longer exist?

You could have the playoff at the start of next season. The SFA were supposed to be voting on changing the access to the Scottish Cup at their AGM. If it stays as it is will they not expect the ERSJFA to put forward a club for next year's Cup?

Does it not matter if the winners receive a trophy and a title, not to mention the Scottish Cup place which comes to the playoff winner? Isn't that the whole point of playing in the league, to try and win the title?

This is all a mute argument as it's obvious how this is going to pan out but in answer to your question shortening a season which hasn't begun is completely different to a three quarters finished season in which the teams have invested blood, sweat and tears, supporters have agonised over and which have many unresolved questions. I stated all this in a late night rant on Tuesday but the decision to stop the season now has caused much more controversy, bad feeling and PR damage than shortening next season would ever do.

How about we promote everyone and have conferences next season