Highland League would support restructuring of Scottish football
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THE Highland League says it would support a restructuring of the Scottish football set-up which would allow champions Brora Rangers to be promoted next season.
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has recommended ending the 2020/21 campaign for the Championship, League One and League Two, with league standings being determined on a points-per-game basis.
The recommendations include cancelling all play-offs this season, which would deny Brora Rangers the chance of promotion to the ranks of the SPFL. However, the SPFL says it is committed to consulting with clubs over possible league reconstruction.
The proposals are in doubt, though, as the SPFL has stated it is waiting on confirmation of Dundee’s vote which will decide if the resolution can be passed.
The Premiership, League One and League Two all met the 75 per cent threshold to agree with the resolution.
But the Championship has so far only voted 7-2 in favour of the resolution, with confirmation on how Dundee have voted still to be confirmed. Eight clubs from the Championship have to vote yes for the proposal to pass.
The Highland League released a statement saying it was disappointed with the recommendations.
It said: “It almost goes without saying that the SPFL is faced with a nigh impossible task in seeking to fully satisfy all the issues currently faced by football clubs and football organisations.
“Adoption of the proposals brought forward is indeed for SPFL member clubs to determine and the SHFL does not seek to offer a view on how SPFL clubs should vote.
“There is, however, significant disappointment that the proposals include cancellation of the play-offs, an integral part of the Scottish football pyramid. The Highland League’s continued and acknowledged contribution to the development of the Scottish football pyramid would appear to be set aside in the search for a solution to the conundrums facing the SPFL. This is disappointing.
“When the Highland League unanimously declared Brora Rangers the 2019/20 Highland League champions, it also decided to offer continued support for the champion club to be given the opportunity to progress up the pyramid.
“The proposal to deny Brora Rangers that opportunity for progression is disappointing and, doubtless, there will be similar feelings among members of the Lowland League.”
However, the Highland League also said it was encouraged that the SPFL would be prepared to consider league reconstruction which could see Brora promoted.
“Notwithstanding the recommended cancellation of play-offs, the Highland League does acknowledge that the SPFL proposal carries a reference to some form of restructuring for season 2020/21.
“That might offer the champion club of both Highland and Lowland leagues some comfort and a route for progression.
“Be it some form of play-off or some form of restructuring which allows for a small increase in SPFL membership, the credibility of the Scottish football pyramid can but be enhanced by some imaginative decision-making and the Highland League stands ready to take part in that process.”
