Fifth tier unlikely to be in place for next season

The introduction of a new senior division in the SPFL is unlikely to happen in time for next season as there is nothing more than a concept in place just now with the practicalities regarding colts teams, promotion, relegation and play-offs still to be agreed.

SPFL League One and Two clubs held a meeting this week over a plan to bring in SPFL League Three which would consist of colts teams from Rangers and Celtic as well as clubs from the Lowland and Highland League.

While the idea received the go-ahead for further discussion little substance was provided over how the league would work.

A spokesperson from the SPFL said: “Reports that a fifth division could be in place for next season are extremely premature.

“The idea is still being discussed and the SPFL’s competition committee will discuss it again at their next meeting in January. At the moment there is probably only a 5% chance of a new league being in place for the start of season 2019-20.

“Issues around colts teams, and could they be promoted and how far up can they be promoted, and whether they would have fixed squads of players has not been fully discussed.

“Other issues such as would there be a play-off in May 2020 with the bottom side in League Two, and who would it be against, or would they stay in League Two or be demoted to League Three has not been aired.

“There also needs to be talks over whether the pyramid play-offs would continue with the club at the bottom of League Three now involved as opposed to League Two.”