Born To Run

There was no “veto”. The SJFA put forward a suggestion, the LL put forward an alternative. That was the whole point of the PWG - to provide a place for the relevant parties to talk and negotiate. The only promise that I’ve seen was TJ assuring member clubs that it was essentially a done deal, despite not knowing if the others would agree.

Alternatively, as the Chairman of a club with its biggest ever game this weekend, and the elected head of a league looking to help progress the pyramid, George has decided to ignore pointless arguments and fallout in public. There is no way that he uttered the words that TJ has claimed. I can guarantee you that personally.

See, I feel like this is why you’re attracting flak. You’re making suppositions based on TJ’s inclusions - all the while, his main “adversary” has completely rebutted this account. The timeline is absolutely challenging, I agree. It would need to be supported by the EoS as volunteered previously. Expect BSC and Caley Braves to submit their reserve sides too - Glasgow Uni as a licensed club might well join the discussion alongside Bonnyton. It would only take 6+ Junior sides to commit to a WoS initially.

“If the TJ version of events is to be believed” Let me play Devil’s advocate. Do you believe him? I suspect very few do by the nature of that email. The Lowland has always been pro-pyramid expansion. It’s issue is in promotion/relegation - need to get that expanded to two automatic spots soon.

Pretty much my thoughts too. Would maybe throw CSS in to the 6th place battle? At the bottom, I'll pick Edinburgh Uni. Realistically it could be any of 5/6 teams depending on how early results go!

I think there are two immediate things that the league needs to focus on getting sorted: 1) Promotion. This isn't going to change overnight (or to any great degree), so start by aiming to have the SPFL make 10th place an automatic relegation spot, leaving the Highland vs Lowland matchup a winner-takes-all affair. 2) The West of Scotland league. It makes sense to have a west and east feeder, and while the WoS would likely start off considerably weaker than the EoS Premier it could well gain ground quickly. Allow the South of Scotland to be a feeder to this WoS league (which they'd likely accept) and invite all licensed clubs yet to join the setup as well as Juniors (Clydebank etc) - The likes of Edusport and BSC would likely be keen to put reserve sides in initially if required.

Ah, gotcha. Interesting to see if this is clarified over the summer in that case!

The Lowland will never go above 16 clubs, had that confirmed earlier in the year. I'd expect 3 relegation spots in the EoS Prem, with automatic promotion for the champs below and a 2nd place playoff for the other spot. Seems the logical solution (and just put both 2nd place teams up if the numbers dictate so).

Great to see the feedback here guys! Let us know if you have any thoughts/suggestions.

Greene stood out for Shire today (just as well, wearing those boots...) and Ashe was impressive. For BSC, wee Stevie was quiet and Strachan seemed to stay in central midfield interestingly. The narrowed Indodrill pitch might be a hindrance this season, really tightens everything up and makes it hard to find space.

Welcome back football, we’ve missed you. Off to the Indodrill in optomistic mood!

Hello BUs, need a wee hand... I’m planning on coming through to the Jeanfield game on the 28th of July. Seems like I’ll have over an hour to kill afterwards - is there a social club or recommended boozer to head to afterwards?

The year before, Edusport went up automatically by winning the SoS as the EoS winner was unlicensed. Threave went down.

I'd assume so, yep. Highest licensed side in the round robin to the playoff makes sense. Very unlikely, the Lowland always aimed for 16 clubs. 18 has given the Highland issues re scheduling this past season too! I think ultimately we'll see a Lowland West and Lowland East in years to come, once sufficient numbers of clubs become licensed and most (if not all) Junior sides make the jump. This won't be possible for many years mind you!

It's the press release (via e-mail). I get them as an article writer for a couple of websites, thought I'd share to help answer the question.

Think you’re getting confused! The winner of the EoS playoff, assuming no changes to relegation spots, has a one off tie vs the SoS winners to gain a Lowland spot. The Lowland winners play the HL champs and Club 42.

It has been announced officially in the EoS press release, conference champs face off in a round robin to determine the title winner.

I'd expect so. Clydebank may be different (if a WoS doesn't come along) because they've applied early. In the most likely scenario of the Bankies joining a new WoS instead and 15 clubs from the 3 forming a premier, there could be playoffs if needed between the 6th placed finishers. Depends on promotion and relegation.

I got a really warm welcome when I came along towards the end of the season, so I'll be making an effort to get back for a few games in the EoS campaign. Good luck folks!

There you go - increased exposure immediately with the televised cup draw...

If that picture is legit, Conference B looks a cracker!

Yup - don’t worry, it was sarcasm on my part! Tried and failed to threaten Kelty with the same line as noted above.

Not to worry folks - TJ is going to stop all of the East Juniors leaving...

He did it to Kelty before as well, something they obviously proved incorrect. I have no idea why he thinks this batch of clubs will fall for it, given that most (if not all) will have spoken with Kelty...