Pollok and Auchinleck lead exodus from West of Scotland

FOURTEEN clubs from the newly formed West of Scotland League ( WoSFL) have pulled out of the competition for the upcoming season after a poll was conducted amongst the 67 member teams.

Big hitters such as Pollok and reigning Premiership champions Auchinleck Talbot have officially withdrawn from the campaign, as have Arthurlie, Cumnock, Kilbirnie, Petershill and Whitletts.

Another eight clubs initially registered their intent to sit out the season and had until 5pm yesterday to confirm that they would not be taking part but at the time of writing, none have come forward publicly.

The 2020/ 21 campaign is still expected to go ahead in a reduced capacity, with the 14 teams hopeful of re- joining the league for the following season.

The WoSFL was created this summer as the sixth tier of Scottish football, with clubs in the Junior set- up joining up for a place in the SPFL pyramid. The winners of the WoSFL gain promotion to the Lowland League, the fifth tier, giving clubs a chance to move up the pyramid and enter the professional leagues in theory.

However, the Scottish Government’s stadium ban means many clubs at this level simply cannot afford to operate with virtually no income and, as a result, some clubs have mothballed the 2020/ 21 season.

In a statement published online, Auchinleck said: “The fact that no fans are allowed into games, and more importantly players not being allowed to use changing and washing facilities, will have severe implications for the health and well- being of both club and players.

“The club considered that the best and safest way forward was to pause the season awaiting the possibility of restrictions being eased, this sadly was not the result of the recent ballot.

“As a club we have a duty of care to our playing staff thus we have come to this decision.”