Old Firm Colts set to play in Lowland League for a further season
Rangers and Celtic B teams are set to continue to play in the Lowland League for a second year.
The pilot project, originally planned for one season, became a contentious issue a year ago, but was passed by league members. Now, 11 months on, a “comfortable majority” of clubs have voted in favour of “guest clubs” being admitted to the fifth tier set-up for a second season.
That leaves the door open for the old firm pair to return under the same ruling which barred them from promotion or access to the pyramid play-off against the winner of the Highland League.
Bonnyrigg Rose have already sewn up this year’s Lowland League title and will receive their trophy at New Dundas Park following their match with East Stirlingshire on Saturday. Celtic B are currently second, level on points with East Kilbride, with Rangers three points behind in fourth, but with a game in hand.
A Lowland League statement said: “A comfortable majority of 11-4 indicated a preference for their involvement, having taken two weeks to weigh up a presentation on the topic.
“While conscious it is a divisive and emotive subject, the overriding feeling is their presence has been of benefit in a commercial sense, while there are promising early indications of young, emerging scottish talents benefiting from early exposure to senior football in a competitive environment.
“It is important to note guest clubs will not be eligible for promotion, nor will they hamper the ability of clubs to be promoted to or relegated from the Lowland League.
“This has been a democratic process, with conversation and debate encouraged before any outcome was established.
“The board of the SLFL and member clubs remain committed to making a positive impact within our communities and Scottish football as a whole and will maintain an open mind to any initiatives that support those aims.”
East Stirlingshire were one of the clubs to vote against the proposal.
A club statement said: “Over the last few days, we sought the views of our season-ticket holders, regular supporters and sponsors as to their views about guest clubs remaining for another season.
“Our support was clear this was not something they would wish to see continue and as such we voted against the continuation for another season of guest clubs.
“We acknowledge both guest clubs have seen benefits to player development over the initial year and potentially the National teams as well.
“We respect the vote from fellow members of the Lowland League was to continue with guest clubs and we respect that decision. We will welcome every club for the new 2022/23 season.”