Dev

That's right. Do you consider that the EoS clubs would wish to include Dundee and Angus etc?

It is so good to know that you alone understand this concept.

Is that Burnieman or Blackadder!

Just looking back for a moment. This huge change all kicked off when Kelty Hearts packed in the Juniors for the EoS in summer 2017. They say revolutions take five years with years six and seven showing the result at its best. This seems like a revolution: Year One: 2017 (for 2017/18): Kelty Hearts move to the EoS and win promotion to the Lowland League Year Two: 2018 (for 2018/19): Mass exodus from the East Juniors to the EoS and Bonnyrigg Red Rose win promotion to the Lowland League. Year Three: 2019 (for 2019/20): Glenrothes and Kinnoull join the EoS. This strengthens the EoS in Perth and Fife. Bo'ness United expected to be promoted to the Lowland League (subject to gaining Licence). Year Four: 2020 (for 2020/21): A third Perthshire Junior club joins the EoS (Luncarty) plus seven Fife Juniors plus it is likely that a West Lothian club (Livingston Utd) will move later this month. All 63 West Juniors move to the Pyramid in one go to form the WoS. The Lowland Under 20's Development League more than doubles in size and includes seven clubs from Division Two of last season's West Junior League (its' lowest division). The North Caledonian League seems to be on the point of joining the Highland League part of the Pyramid. Year Five: 2021 (for 2021/22): Possibilities could be: [a] Most, if not all, of the remaining eligible West Lothian Juniors move to the EoS ? Some newer sides may not meet the entry criteria? The north of Tay Bridge Juniors go Senior as their own league and part of the Highland League Pyramid ? [c] The North Juniors join the Seniors as part of the Highland League part of the Pyramid ? [d] In the Highland Pyramid area there will not be compulsory promotion to the Highland League (and therefore relegations may be occasional rather than annual) ?

Yes, indeed. Something-else which is really good is that seven sides, so far, which played in the bottom division of the West Juniors in 2019/20 will be putting teams into the Under 20's Development League: Vale of Leven, Yoker Athletic, Maybole Juniors, Johnstone Burgh, Forth Wanderers, St Anthony's and Newmains United.

Vaccines for corona type viruses aren't guaranteed at all. However, at least the world and his dog is out there trying to come up with one. Good luck to them ASAP. Maybe the best hope is that drugs, including existing ones, can be made or found which will make a big difference to the treatment of patients and to their chances of surviving, in the worst cases, and to reduce the nasty work that this virus can do to people's bodies.

There has already been reported on the WoS Under 20's thread(?) that it is going to be split East and West with 2 sections in the east and 2 or 3 in the west, depending upon numbers.

….. but Covid-19, as everyone knows now, is a new coronavirus so there was some basis for comparison at the start with other coronaviruses. Any help from knowing that went out the window when covid-19 showed unusual variations in its' make-up so everyone had to start again when figuring out what it does, how it operates and how to deal with it. Governments everywhere are having to be brave in trying to deal with it. A very few were in a better position than others, notably the likes of Germany and South Korea because they were well resourced with appropriate laboratory facilities to start off with but they are finding it hard to rid themselves of this disease. Even with their head starts. The virus seems to be running wild now in some countries e.g. southern Asia and South America and that's tragic. It also means that countries which seem to have passed the peak have to be extremely careful that it does return before there can be (if there can be) mass vaccination and or drugs are found which can reduce the potency of the disease. Thankfully the wealthier nations are taking seriously these needs and the UK, it has to be said, is right there at the front of this effort. What's more it stated that, if fortunate enough to create a vaccine in this country, it will donate billions of jabs to poorer countries around the globe. Praise is due for even thinking along those lines. In the meantime we all need to try to stick by the basic rules that we're stuck with and be careful even when they're relaxed.

Maybe the over 75's have been getting it from someone? Be a little more patient and, hopefully, everyone can breathe a sigh of relief within the near future.

…… so far the possible entries in the WoS have been Premier Division (11 out of 20). Conference 'A': 6 out of 16. Conference 'B': 5 out of 16. and Conference 'C': 7 out of 15. That's a surprisingly good spread of interest for the first season. 28 were new Senior clubs.

34 from the west but Upper Annandale were there too last season so maybe 35 ? Last season, at the end, there were 15 from the EoS plus East Fife and Edinburgh City plus 6 eastern clubs from the Lowland League. 15 plus 2 plus 6 so a total of 23. Plus 9 newcomers this time (maybe) from the EoS to make it possibly 32. Could be 35 from west and 32 from east: total could be 65. [correction! should total 67 which would make it the same size as the WoS) Lots of guess work and we won't have to wait long now, thankfully, for the official announcements.

FairWeatherFan posted earlier on the “new clubs in the EoS thread”: https://www.alloaadvertiser.com/sport/18505911.sauchie-launches-new-academy-side-2020-season/ · Sport 9th June Sauchie Juniors launch new academy side for 2020 season By Jack Haugh @JackMHaugh Sports Reporter

FairWeatherFan posted earlier on the “new clubs in the EoS thread”: https://www.alloaadvertiser.com/sport/18505911.sauchie-launches-new-academy-side-2020-season/ · Sport 9th June Sauchie Juniors launch new academy side for 2020 season By Jack Haugh @JackMHaugh Sports Reporter Sauchie's new under 20s team with coaches Paul McKinlay, Colin McGill and James Gilfillan SAUCHIE JUNIORS fans will have even more to shout about next season as the club takes another step forward by launching a new academy side. The Reds have plugged one of the few gaps in the Beechwood Park set-up by forming an under 20s side as they hope to take advantage of the hidden talent in Clackmannanshire. The age group, which has been in the works for a number of months, has been created after an agreement was reached to move the under 17s from amateurs Milton FC to Sauchie. The exciting news comes less than a year after the Reds launched feeder team the Wee Sauchie, who play in the Junior leagues and work closely with Fraser Duncan's Premier Division outfit. For Duncan, establishing an under 20s side takes Sauchie another step closer to unlocking the full potential of the Beechwood Park team. He told Advertiser Sport: "We are delighted to get it done and it is an exciting time for the club. "We have spoken about doing this for years with Noel (Dalli, former chairman now honorary president) and Karl (Rennie, chairman) and we have wanted to get that development at the age group. "We need to give guys in our local area the chance to progress." The year group from the Bannockburn-based side will move to Clacks and provide a platform for players from Sauchie's academy to progress to either the Wee Sauchie or Duncan's East of Scotland side. Duncan added: "We can play two of our over-aged players in that group as well and that can give game time to those who might not be getting it. "They are going to wear the same strips as us and have the same training gear and everything will be exactly the same. "The more people we have involved in the club then the bigger and the better it is going to get. "This is a massive step in what we want to do." Coaches James Gilfillan, Colin McGill, and Paul McKinlay will make the move to Beechwood with several players from Milton also agreeing to the switch. The rest of the squad will be filled in the coming months by local talent with Duncan especially keen to offer a place to youngsters who have been released or moved on from Forth Valley teams in recent years. Under 20s coach Gilfillan, 55, said: " We are really looking forward to it and we are hoping to give the boys a good opportunity to progress. "Sauchie were looking to fill a gap they had, so I think it is a good fit. We've been part of Milton for around ten years and it was all on good terms. "We've had some great support for them throughout the years and Colin had been there for the full ten years. "Sauchie having that pathway into the Junior side and the East of Scotland team was a big appeal for us. Playing at a higher level than we would have with Milton gives the boys a chance to develop and carry on through it. "Hopefully they can then get to the Senior ranks of football and that is what we were aiming for. "We felt this was going to give us the best opportunity as we are then picking up a level and they are going to be going up against under 20s. "It's going to be tough and the first year will be a tough year for them. It will be a great experience and a tough one for the boys. "It's then in the second and third year where we will hopefully see them develop and progress. It's all about that." As part of the continued overhaul of the Reds set-up, the team will train at Beechwood Park alongside Sauchie's two senior sides at least one night a week. Players and backroom staff from Duncan's outfit will take turns in leading and getting involved in sessions with the under 20s in a bid to provide the youngsters with as much knowhow as possible. In turn, the teenagers will be given the chance to train with Stuart McInnes' Junior team or the East of Scotland side as part of a one-club approach. Gilfillan continued: "It will be hugely beneficial to be able to share those ideas between the teams. "Ideally we are looking to mix with Fraser's team. That will help to develop our team and bring them on and then hopefully one or two of our boys will be able to make the step up and go and help that team out as and when required. "It's giving the boys a great opportunity to learn from older players and also from different coaches at that level. "The idea is to have us all training together and playing some games against each other and with each other. It gives everyone a chance to develop. "From Sauchie's point of view, it saves them having to go and pull teams and boys from all over the place. Whereas if they have that conveyor belt and can pick up one or two boys, it's a big start for them. "We can hopefully focus in on the local side. We have six players in and around Alloa who have been playing with us and for them it's great to be associated with their main team locally. "It gives them a sense of belonging and being part of their local team and culture. "Sauchie's senior team will help to support us and they will then benefit by filling that gap. "We hope that out of our squad two can make the step up to the East of Scotland team every year. But, there will be some who need the interim step. "They can go on and play with the Juniors and get some more experience of playing with adults. We will also work very closely together as one Sauchie team. "It's all one club and not three separate teams." Sauchie chairman Karl Rennie said: "We are glad we have managed to get it over the line. Everyone has jumped into it and are delighted to join the team. "It is giving us another option to develop players and if we think they are good enough they will get their shot at the first team. "The coaches are positive, the players are positive, the parents of the kids are positive. It's a good challenge for them as well and gives the a chance to see what they can produce."

https://www.blantyrevics.com/post/club-statement-u20-development-league Blake Welsh 32 minutes ago 2 min read Club Statement: U20 Development League Blantyre Victoria F.C. are delighted to announce that our application to the West of Scotland Football League U20 Development League has been accepted ahead of the forthcoming 2020/21 season. All matches will be played on Friday evenings. We will be joining forces with David Flannagan and David Kyle head coaches of Holytown Colts U17's who have been loyal supporters of Blantyre Vics for many years. Joining them on the coaching staff of the Blantyre Victoria U20 squad will be former Clydebank and Shotts Bon Accord defender Gerry McGurn. U20 Coach David Flannagan this afternoon said: “We are really looking forward to this new venture. With this development squad we will be able to develop and improve the skills of players, who are looking to reach a higher standard in the game. Looking long-term we hope to see many of our players step up to senior whether with Blantyre Vics or to go onto have a successful career elsewhere.” Club manager John Gibson said: "It’s excellent news for Blantyre Vics to have our own development team, they will be joining a very good and hard league which gives our players a good chance of developing into better players. We are excited about the prospect of bringing these boys through with the incentive to become first team players, this pathway is important not only to us but to other clubs as well. This is why having this development league was a great idea, the club as a whole will now start the recruitment process for attracting players.” The club are beginning to look for high quality players born in years 2001-2003. We look forward to announcing the first of our U20 development squad signings very soon.

https://www.blantyrevics.com/post/club-statement-u20-development-league Blake Welsh 32 minutes ago 2 min read Club Statement: U20 Development League Blantyre Victoria F.C. are delighted to announce that our application to the West of Scotland Football League U20 Development League has been accepted ahead of the forthcoming 2020/21 season. All matches will be played on Friday evenings. We will be joining forces with David Flannagan and David Kyle head coaches of Holytown Colts U17's who have been loyal supporters of Blantyre Vics for many years. Joining them on the coaching staff of the Blantyre Victoria U20 squad will be former Clydebank and Shotts Bon Accord defender Gerry McGurn. U20 Coach David Flannagan this afternoon said: “We are really looking forward to this new venture. With this development squad we will be able to develop and improve the skills of players, who are looking to reach a higher standard in the game. Looking long-term we hope to see many of our players step up to senior whether with Blantyre Vics or to go onto have a successful career elsewhere.” Club manager John Gibson said: "It’s excellent news for Blantyre Vics to have our own development team, they will be joining a very good and hard league which gives our players a good chance of developing into better players. We are excited about the prospect of bringing these boys through with the incentive to become first team players, this pathway is important not only to us but to other clubs as well. This is why having this development league was a great idea, the club as a whole will now start the recruitment process for attracting players.” The club are beginning to look for high quality players born in years 2001-2003. We look forward to announcing the first of our U20 development squad signings very soon.

As far as I can see from P&B posts and social media the situation in the West may be: West of Scotland League clubs applied/applying to the Lowland Under 20's Development League for 2020/21: Premier Div. (9) Conference 'A' (6) Conference 'B' (5) Conference 'C' (5) Beith Juniors Arthurlie Carluke Rovers Neilston Bonnyton Thistle (Already a Member) Bellshill Athletic Gartcairn St. Anthony’s Clydebank Forth Wanderers Newmains United St. Roch’s Darvel Johnstone Burgh Shettleston Vale of Leven Irvine Meadow XI Maryhill St. Cadoc’s Yoker Athletic Kilwinning Rangers Whitletts Victoria Not Applied? Not Applied? Kirkintilloch Rob Roy Not Applied? Annbank United Vale of Clyde Rossvale Craigmark Burntonians Ardeer Thistle Ardrossan Winton Rovers Troon Girvan Ashfield Drumchapel United Largs Thistle ? Glasgow University Cambuslang Rangers East Kilbride Thistle Pollok ? Irvine Victoria Dalry Thistle Glasgow Perthshire Not Applied? Lesmahagow Juniors Greenock Juniors Kilsyth Rangers Auchinleck Talbot Lugar Boswell Thistle Kello Rovers Lanark United Benburb Maybole Juniors Port Glasgow Juniors Larkhall Thistle Blantyre Victoria Muirkirk Juniors Renfrew Petershill Cumbernauld United Saltcoats Victoria Royal Albert Wishaw Juniors Cumnock Juniors Shotts Bon Accord Thorniewood United Glenafton Athletic Hurlford United Kilbirnie Ladeside Rutherglen Glencairn

Unless you know different this looks like the league which Larkhall Under 21's were in last season. They seem to be in the top division for next season. It's the West of Scotland Youth Lg Under 21's but not the Lowland Under 20's Development League.

One of the reasons for listing clubs interested in joining the Under 20's league was to let clubs know who was interested from the start. If enough clubs come forward early on then it sends out the message that this is viable for others too. It can build a momentum of its' own, a bit like what happened in the EoS and the WoS. If the Under 20's have 60 plus teams then it will be one of the largest leagues in Scotland, alongside the WoS and EoS. Who'd have thought that a few years ago! One interesting thing I've noticed is that each of the Tier 7 Conferences of the WoS has five clubs also entering the Under 20's league so 15 out of 23 WoS teams known to be entered. An encouraging sign.

…… latest estimates. 28 teams from last season plus 32 newcomers: 60 current total. The most recent clubs to indicate they're applying or have applied are: WoS Beith Juniors Irvine Meadow Kilwinning Rangers Kirkintilloch Rob Roy Neilston St. Anthony’s Yoker Athletic EoS Jeanfield Swifts Tynecastle

…… latest estimates. 28 teams from last season plus 32 newcomers: 60 current total. The most recent clubs to indicate they're applying or have applied are: WoS Beith Juniors Irvine Meadow Kilwinning Rangers Kirkintilloch Rob Roy Neilston St. Anthony’s Yoker Athletic EoS Jeanfield Swifts Tynecastle

In Northern Ireland it's winter football. The Republic is summer football at top level.

Thanks for your positive in-put.

Agreed, sadly, and Ireland hasn't been as badly affected by covid-19 so they are ahead of the game. However, the NIFA has looked at this and come up with a plan so this makes it easier for others (Scotland, England & Wales) to follow whenever the situation improves enough. There's no excuse for failing to make draft plans for the return of football and it would help clubs at all levels and age groups to start making preparations now for that.

https://www.irishfa.com/news/2020/june/irish-fa-issue-updated-covid-19-guidelines This looks interesting. Northern Ireland FA is ahead of others about Covid-19 recovery plans. Their latest plan: Saturday 06 Jun 2020 Irish FA: Covid-19 recovery plan update The Irish FA has issued an updated document looking ahead to measures to help an incremental return of grassroots football to Northern Ireland. The measures will be introduced from Monday 8 June. Coronavirus: Irish FA updates Some subjects that the document will include are as follows: Playing football individually. Playing football with your family or people living in your household. Football training or fitness activities in groups of no more than six keeping two metres apart at all times. Training for two or more groups of six (including coach). The document will also cover suggested safety instructions and hygiene protocols. You can download the full Covid-19 recovery plan below (i.e. go to their web site).

https://www.irishfa.com/news/2020/june/irish-fa-issue-updated-covid-19-guidelines This looks interesting. Northern Ireland FA is ahead of others about Covid-19 recovery plans. Their latest plan: Saturday 06 Jun 2020 Irish FA: Covid-19 recovery plan update The Irish FA has issued an updated document looking ahead to measures to help an incremental return of grassroots football to Northern Ireland. The measures will be introduced from Monday 8 June. Coronavirus: Irish FA updates Some subjects that the document will include are as follows: Playing football individually. Playing football with your family or people living in your household. Football training or fitness activities in groups of no more than six keeping two metres apart at all times. Training for two or more groups of six (including coach). The document will also cover suggested safety instructions and hygiene protocols. You can download the full Covid-19 recovery plan below (i.e. go to their web site).