WILL CLARK: Highland League needs second division for the sake of clubs that want to make step up. And for those that don't.
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I’ve always been unpopular, and even more so when I worked as a journalist at the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier between 2011 and 2017.
My support of the Highland League pyramid system and relegation being introduced didn’t go down well with a lot of traditionalists who preferred a closed shop either.
Now any chance of being invited back to the far north to parties or social gatherings might be dented further when I am suggesting a Highland League second division to accommodate the threat of relegation.
I am not suggesting splitting the current league into two, when it was suggested having two leagues of 10 few years ago. That was deservedly blasted by former Wick Academy chairman James Innes, and booted out the door quicker than Jack Ross’s time as Dundee United manager.
At the moment, the sixth level of football consists of the North Caledonian League, the North Junior Super League and Midlands League.
The three winners of each division qualify for the play-offs along with the team that finishes bottom of the Highland League for a place in the division.
That is as long as each team holds an SFA licence, which is a requirement to enter the Highland League.
At present, only four teams below Highland League level in the north have the SFA licence. Golspie Sutherland and Fort William, who have no chance of winning the North Caledonian League this season.
In the Midlands League, Tayport also have no chance, leaving Lochee United as the only realistic chance of forcing a play-off at the end of the campaign.
The whole regional system for the play-offs in the Highland League seems to be a faff to be honest.
So why not create a second division for teams from each of these regions who are actually interested in making the step up to the Highland League?
Keep the existing 18-team Highland League division as it is, and create a new division below consisting of teams actually interested in moving up a level.
Although most clubs will not publicly admit it, a lot in the north aren’t that interested in making the step up from the level they are at.
That includes Highland League clubs who have no desires of League Two.
But there is obviously desire from elsewhere and especially from the Midlands League, where clubs are making huge efforts to gain an SFA licence. Highland League traditionalists might hate the pyramid system, but it has been a good thing.
Banks O’ Dee, disregarding their 24-point deduction due to an admin error, have proven to be one of the best teams in the league this season, outside Brechin City and Buckie Thistle.
Cove Rangers, who never hid their ambitions to move up, are now in the Championship holding their own. The most obvious sign of the success of the pyramid system is the Lowland League. Kelty Hearts and FC Edinburgh both in League One and Bonnyrigg Rose in League Two. While former SPFL strugglers Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and East Stirlingshire are languishing at the bottom end of the Lowland League.
Some clubs may have no interest in moving up to Highland League level.
So create a Highland League second division for teams who are keen to make the step up.
