Born To Run

BBC Article on the SJFA, comments from TJ So he’s seriously still going with the “12 month notice” threat? Utterly deluded. Remaining SJFA members surely need to replace TJ to have a decent shot at survival going forward?

Hmm. If I were part of the EoS, it’d be a case of saying “sorry, we already extended the deadline”...unless 2 others come forward as well to keep the 3 divisions equal.

BSC have made some really decent moves over the last couple of days. Keeping Marshall, Grehan & wee Stevie Murray is excellent business, as well as Prunty and Smith coming in. Think we're all a bit behind EK who have hit the ground running mind you.

I’d be astounded if another relegation spot (auto/playoff) doesn’t emerge in the Lowland. The post-AGM statement was carefully worded to announce changes in the near future, likely awaiting the EoS and SoS final shapes.

Exactly what I thought too. I reckon Kilwinning will lead the 2019/20 WoS chat with the likes of Clydebank etc, now seems far too late for the coming season.

Fort William almost went NCL this summer, but found a new board and financial backing to remain in the HL. For the post earlier that confused you, the North Juniors previously agreed to restructure into a Premier - Division One - Division Two setup this summer, losing the regional divisions below the Superleague. Remains to be seen if they’ll proceed with a few clubs going into abeyance.

Sauchie are believed to have applied, according to some Linlithgow Rose people. Either them or Kennoway Star Hearts?

I’ve seen this alluded to by a few people. If anything is happening for 2018/19, it needs to be pronto. If not, who knows what influence a potential WoS could have come 2019/20 - it’s taken less than 12 months for the East to disintegrate after all!

Nitten have gone. They are now talking about who will join them!

Confirmation from Arniston now regarding their EoS acceptance:

The licence itself has a £2k application deposit. In terms of support, up to £10k in stadium and facility improvement grants can be applied for every year, other assistance also offered.

To clear up the Craigroyston situation:

According to the St Andrews United FB, it is the SJFA. Will be interesting to see what comes around for next season, huge restructuring now required in the East.

Been expecting this. Linlithgow moving over with Bo’ness would be a huge blow to the ERSJFA.

We’re now in a situation where the North and East regions are going to be shadows of what they once were. The main question is, will sides in the West jump ship to the new WoS or will they continue to battle on (with the exception of Clydebank)? The SJFA will be severely weakened if the West region goes the same way, and will no doubt be doing everything in their power to keep it intact.

I’ve avoided this particular strand of the thread (re your “banning” post and comments thereafter) but I feel the need to respond here. You feel that the pyramid is flawed, and I suspect the majority agree on this point. Having said that, your assertion that there are a significant amount of people on this forum, using this thread, to bring about the capitulation of Junior Football is laughable! This is a simple forum for opinions, no-one is conspiring against you or threatening you. If you cannot see their viewpoints, so be it. The concept of people expressing a view contrary to yours being treachery still blows my mind. It’s not like other people here are making the decisions for clubs leaving the grade, they are choosing to go of their own free will having weighed up all options.

They confirmed this plan at the start of this season, like you say it might only be two tiers for the next campaign (like the East). The West will now dwarf the other regions in terms of numbers and prestige.

I’d be surprised if they get more than 32 in all honesty. Having said that, given all of the extra applications would have been put in late they could easily cherrypick the “top” ones and offer the rest deferred entry. Wonder if Dundonald might step up their deferred entry to next season now?

Hearing that there are 2 late applications in to the EoS from the East Juniors. One name was not a surprise - one very much was... We wait till the AGM (7th June) for final confirmation!

This has, sadly, turned into a “what you could have had” situation for Junior sides. Here’s the original proposals from the Working Group, from when the Lowland League was being formed: Meeting Minutes I found these after a fair bit of googling, and can’t verify the contents. However, if correct this shows the SJFA were originally offered the chance of putting both West and East Superleagues (or a combined league) alongside the EoS and SoS. The SJFA demanded a promotion opt-out at the time, however the group insisted that licensed sides would move up. It certainly makes for some interesting reading, especially with the benefit of hindsight!

After the previous heads gone on the Junior forum, Isabel has returned from a 3 day ban with a Sevco-esque statement. Recommend reading...

They don't have to worry about this. Every club in the pyramid can apply for a grant circa £10k per year to spend on stadium & facility improvements.

Making 2 big assumptions - Craigroyston are accepted, and Cove defeat Cowdenbeath (sending Vale down), that results in 28 teams. Two groups of 14 seems ideal!