Big call-off can win it for Scots
L O N Y
ALL roads lead to Pollok for junior football fans in the west of Scotland today.
Just a week after Non League Day we’ve almost got Non Football Day as every fixture west of Fauldhouse has been postponed in favour of Junior Scotland.
Keith Burgess’s side go into the final game of the Quadrangular Tournament against Isle of Man knowing victory could see them crowned champions depending on Northern Ireland’s result against Republic of Ireland.
It’s been a controversial decision by SJFA beaks and a number of topflight bosses who have no players involved have voiced their anger at being given a free week.
As a player, I see both sides. While you always want to play on a Saturday you have to back the national team when they host a competition in your own backyard.
If the SJFA West Region had 30 fixtures or so clashing with Scotland they‘d have been cutting their own throat with the game looking to pull in a four-figure attendance.
So let’s hope a bumper crowd flock to Newlandsfield to back the boys in blue and make the wipeout worthwhile.
Meanwhile, it has been a hellish week for managerial departures.
Irvine Meadow bulleted Ross Wilson after just 13 matches while Cumnock and John McKeown parted company after a 6-0 defeat against Beith.
Carluke chief Colin Slater also stepped down after his side were held 1-1 by nine-man Royal Albert and it’s the end of the road at Newmains for Kevin Muirhead.
I was sad to hear of McKeown’s exit but he’ll be back sooner rather than later should he want it.