NEW BALL GAME IN SCOTTISH JUNIORS SHAKE-UP
THE Scottish Non-League scene is set for a significant overhaul next season after the announcement that 25 junior teams will move into the East of Scotland League, thereby joining the Scottish football pyramid.
The restructure allows the newly added clubs a potential route into the Scottish Professional Football League.
The East of Scotland League represents part of the sixth tier of the Scottish pyramid, with clubs battling it out to achieve a shot at promotion to the Lowland Football League.
To accommodate this influx of new sides, it has been announced that the division will be split into three Conferences for the 2018/19 season, each comprised of 13 teams.
An end of season play-off will then take place between the winners of each Conference to determine who will be crowned champions of the East of Scotland League.
In an additional restructure, the top five clubs in each of the three Conferences will form the newly created East of Scotland League Premier Division for the 2019/20 season.
The remaining teams will then be grouped into two or three lower divisions with promotion and relegation being introduced.
The East of Scotland League Chairman John Greenhorn said: “The East of Scotland League is very happy to welcome the large number of clubs which have decided to join, effective from season 2018/19.
“Following the formation of the Lowland League a few years ago our league has taken steps to make it more attractive and we feel that the actions taken are now bearing fruit. We very much look forward to working with our new colleagues.”
Until recently, most junior clubs had traditionally chosen not to join the Scottish Football Pyramid, however the success of Kelty Hearts appears to have acted as a catalyst for a widespread change of opinion.
Kelty resigned their place in the junior leagues to join the East of Scotland League last season and went on to finish at the summit of the table, in what was a remarkable campaign for the Fife club.
The far reaching restructure has prompted speculation that a similar overhaul could possibly take place in the West of Scotland League.
Meanwhile, phoenix club Clydebank are expected to remain as a junior team, pending the completion of building work at their Holm Park ground but will join the Scottish Football pyramid in time for the 2019/20 season.