Robert James

And what are Am Soccer going to bring to the table? Pitch is terrible, changing rooms aren't that great either No idea. I wasn't 'promoting' St Bernards or AM Soccer (Fife) as good additions to the EoS. I was merely asking if anyone had any information about the rumoured application of 2 amateur teams. Have you got any info about this ?

Agreed Do you know if the SJFA has set its EGN/AGM dates ?

Agreed And BTW, I consider the stance taken LR and Bo'ness is disappointing and very risky. In the case of Linlithgow, an SFA Member club, the SFA may well withdraw the Scottish Cup entitlement for junior clubs who don't commit to the pyramid, once the situation in the West and North is sorted out . Girvan, Banks O'Dee, Golspie......and Glasgow Uni, need to realise this possibility.

A possible scenario for 2019/20, although probably unlikely unless the Tayside junior clubs apply to join the EoS . But you didn't comment on point (2) of my post about "late applications" for 2018/19. Any views ?

A simple arithmetic calculation !!!. If say, the EoS wants a league of 2 divisions of 16 clubs, and it only have 25-27 clubs in situ, then you try to fill the vacancies. If you run any business, and have some job vacancies,which you want to fill, you will do so. "Ridiculous" ? Do you advocate forcing top junior league clubs into a 3rd division, when you have a small number of vacancies in the 2nd division ?

IMO the EoSL won't take this stance, as it is looking at options to start with 'a level playing field' for next season . Its EGM later this month, will I understand, consider these options. Also IMO, you are right that the SFA will not interfere with decisions which fall within the jurisdiction of the EoSL

You may find my P&B post (a few minutes ago) on the 'Future of the Juniors', to be interesting. Like your post, it is at least forward thinking....and positive in content.

I agree with your views. However, I don't understand why Bo'ness seems to be 'glued' onto Linlithgow, rather than making its own decision about the pyramid. Being positive though, all may not be' lost' for 2018/19, for the following reasons : (1) the EoS would apparently like to have 2 divisions next season, and (ideally) have 2 x 16 (32 clubs) . According to numerous posts on the "New Clubs for the EoS", and on here, it appears likely that the number of Applicants received by 1st April, 2018, was insufficient to reach this level for next season (2) the outcome of the SJFA's impending EGM, may not be satisfactory for Bo'ness, LR, and some others, and (whilst unlikely) it is not inconceivable that the EoS may consider late applicants to fill, the shortfall of 4 or 5 clubs, with a view to bringing up the numbers to 32 for next season. There are some precedents for late applications, although i have no knowledge of the SJFA rules about the time period for resignations (AGM date ?) (3) even if consideration of late applicants is rejected for 2018/19, the EoS will need to fill the remaining (4 or 5 ?) vacancies for 2019/20. The worst case scenario then, would be that (by negotiation) junior Super League applicants would have a very strong case to be allocated automatically into the EoS 2nd division. even if a 3rd division is created at that stage. Most people would agree that it would be ridiculous to 'force' the top junior clubs into an EoS 3rd division. (4) on a previous post, I suggested that a review of the the new EoS structure for 2018/19, should be carried out 12 months from now, to see how successful it has been. Some surprising outcomes may emerge ?

Apologies, as it wasn't directed at you. Just my frustration that at a very dramatic and important moment for non-league football in Scotland, we are still embroiled in a 'war of words' about who did (or didn't) do what they should have done, in the past. To move on, have the dates for the SJFA, and the EoL EGM meetings been published yet ?

No such thing !

On 9th June 2017, Burnie man opened up this 'Future of the Juniors' theme. 205 pages on from the above post, his Mystic Meg skills have stood the test of time !

Of course.....and in Scotland !

It hasn't caused panic in England, as many ex-EFL clubs have subsequently been promoted back into the League after being relegated from it. This includes all 5 of the first 6 clubs relegated from the EFL when the 'conference' was formed. It is a dynamic pyramid structure, which brought to an end the infamous "old pals act" , ie: regularly re-electing the bottom 4 clubs, every year, regardless of how bad they were. No (league or non league club) complains, other than an occasional (unsuccessful) plea for a 3rd relegation/promotion place.

Why do posters keep going over the past ? It is a futile exercise. The SFA couldn't force individual junior clubs to join the LL when it was set up. Norcurrently, can the SJFA force junior force clubs to join the pyramid en masse, nor prevent them from leaving individually, if they wish to do so. We shouldn't forget that a number of junior clubs looked at the LL prospectus when it was being set up, and NONE applied. The message was loud and clear - the juniors had no interest or ambition at that time, in joining a league which was established to give ambitious clubs the opportunity to progress and gain promotion to the SPFL. The SJFA 'rubbished' the pyramid, in favour of retaining the status quo. It didn't take the opportunity to ask its clubs to consult with clubs/members/fans. to seek their views about joining the pyramid. Nor as far as I am aware, was it actively consulting with the SFA, about merged structures, etc. Did any of the West/East junior clubs bother to ask the 5 ex-junior clubs** who had joined the HFL in the not so recent past, as to whether or not they regretted the move to senior football ? Unlikely, as none of these 5 clubs seem to have pined after leaving the juniors. (It could be argued the SJFA hardly seems to have noticed that they left). So instead of looking back in time, let's accept where we are now and: (1) consult upon, plan and implement a WoSL pyramid/feeder league for 2019/20. It is an excellent opportunity, (2) review the situation in the EoS at the end of 2018/19, and see what lessons can be learnt from the way in which the influx of new clubs has worked/not worked, to see what further changes would be beneficial, given the likelihood that some other junior clubs may wish to join for 2019/20 (3) allow clubs not wishing to commit to the pyramid, to remain with the SJFA, and decide what junior structure(s) would be best into the future. (**Cove, Inverurie, Formartine, Strathspey & Turriff)

Tier 5 is the HFL & SLL, and membership requires a licence. Of all the East Region Juniors, only Linlithgow currently has one, and they haven't applied to join the pyramid. Even TJ now recognises the need for clubs to be licensed.

" AFTER OVER 50 YEARS SINCE THEY CEASED TO BE, THIRD LANARK ARE ON THE RISE (by Hugh McDonald for the Scottish Daily Mail 12th January 2018) * founded in 1872, they were founder members of the Scottish Football Association * went under in 1967 in a tide of money problems and corruption allegations * resurrected as an amateur club, Third Lanark AFC is showing signs of rude health. " Cathkin Park and the Juniors await !!

Thepublished article was dated 1st April, @ 6.00 am. April Fool !

There are a number of options which will be considered by the EoS, presumably at its EGM. IMO, one of the best ideas is a "pre-league" tournament (August/early September), probably seeded, for an estimated 24 clubs (realistic) with say 6 groups of 4 clubs, each playing each other home and away (=6 games). The top 2 in each group would form a 'First' Division, and the bottom 2 would form the 'Second Division'. The full EoS league season would then commence (in September), with each club playing a further 22 matches, making a total of 28 games in total (excluding 'normal cup games). This would be for 2018/19 only, with promotion & relegation at the end of the season. Exciting, and fair to both existing and new clubs.

Could be a sign that St Bernards have EoS ambitions. If the number of EoS applicants does include 2 amateur clubs, as previously suggested on this theme, then the other club could be AM Soccer (Fife) AFC, who are currently riding high in the Kingdom of Fife Premier League. AMS is an ambitious club which was interested in joining the Lowland League, before it reached its full compliment of 16 clubs, and it wouldn't be surprising if this club was now seeking to join the EoS. Does anyone have knowledge of this, or any other amateur club, which may have an aspiration to join the EoL ?

Helpful thank you, as I have never visited Duffus Park.

This is an excellent and factual post, and should be sent to all junior clubs throughout the West, East, & North Regions. There is a future role for the SJFA, but this won't be one which is controlling a West pyramid feeder league. The power in Scotland lies with the SFA, and the SJFA needs to be careful not to cause a fracturing of the West (in 2019/20), in the same way that it is happening in the East. The above summary of new opportunities, benefits and (yes) challenges, for clubs in the pyramid, far outweighs the traditions and history of the SJFA (however good they may have been ?), ..................................................... and let's never forget that fans (and players) of ALL football clubs, big & small, league & non-league, need to "live the dream."

Could be Cupar Hearts, but my prediction would be : AM Soccer (Fife) AFC who's adult team is currently riding high in the Kingdom of Fife Premier League, and AMS did seriously enquire applying for one of the Lowland League vacancies before it had its full compliment of 16 clubs. This assumes that the club's home ground is of a reasonable standard ?

Won't make any difference as Dalbeattie used to play in the EoSL (before the Lowland was formed) and that is in Dumfries & Galloway

Haddington have been mulling over joining the pyramid for a few seasons. Their location means that the EoS would be a logical choice. Not heard any recent rumours about them, one way or another. Has anyone else ?

So tell the SJFA EGM that you want to stay in the juniors, and not be part of the pyramid. Simple and clear : don't get bullied into towing the party line.