EK’SBUCKIEBYE
Promotion bid boost after Kilby’s rivals kicked out of play-offs
East Kilbride have been handed a bye to the SPFL pyramid play-off final after the SFA sensationally BANNED Highland League champions Buckie Thistle from taking part.
A rule change implemented earlier this year requires clubs to have a Bronze License to be able to compete in the SPFL – and Buckie were told less than 48 hours before the tie was due to take place that they did not meet the grade.
The SFA have stated they have been in constant dialogue with the Highland League champions over certain issues required to meet the membership criteria, but these had not been met by the deadline set by the licensing committee and, therefore, the match that was scheduled with East Kilbride on Saturday did not take place.
One of the sticking points on the Bronze Award was the appointment of a club doctor, which EKFC have had in place for a number of years.
But it means Mick Kennedy’s men cruise straight into the playoff final on May 11 and 18 against the club who finishes bottom of the SPFL, which is currently Stranraer.
A Scottish FA spokesperson said: “The Licensing Committee considered a range of eligibility criteria in respect of Buckie Thistle’s application. Unfortunately, the submission did not meet the requirements for the award of a Bronze licence.
“All SHFL and SLFL clubs were written to in December last year to advise that the audit process would be accelerated for those clubs with a chance of promotion, in light of the SPFL’s updated membership criteria requirements.
“The Scottish FA’s club licensing department has been in regular dialogue with Buckie Thistle since then to notify the club of, and provide ample time to address, issues highlighted in their Club Licensing Report.
“Unfortunately, these issues were not addressed by the club prior to the licensing committee decision.”
An SPFL spokesperson added: “Every club was made aware in summer last year of the need to have a Scottish FA Bronze Licence to participate in the SPFL.
“Regrettably, Buckie Thistle failed to respond to any of the three subsequent follow-up letters sent in October, February and March.
“They are not compliant with SPFL Rules and failed to apply for a period of grace by the 31 March 2024 deadline. The SPFL Board has huge sympathy for Buckie and their fans, but has no option but to enforce our Rules.”
East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy admits he feels for Buckie but is delighted to have two games less to play in their pursuit of promotion.
He said: “Everybody was told there was a certain criteria we had to meet by a certain date and we were told we met it. As far as we were aware, Buckie were working
towards the same thing and we were never told of any issues.
“Everybody is delighted to be through. It would have been a tricky tie and it is two less games for us to play. It’s not the way we would have wanted to get through, we’d rather have played the game.
“We prepared all week for it, but I feel really sorry for Buckie – the players, the manager, their fans, the club.
“We know how unfair the pyramid system is in this country and it is a difficult situation for clubs trying to progress but, ultimately, we have benefitted from that.
“We had booked a coach and a hotel for the away leg and everything, but we just need to move on and prepare for the next game.”
Buckie Thistle said they were ‘stunned and devastated’by the SFA announcement, which came a matter of minutes after the club had learned of the decision themselves. They also stated were considering taking the case to arbitration, but are understood to have now accepted their fate.
A statement from club president Garry Farquhar read:“We have been unable to complete /submit our Medical Return because we are still trying to engage the services of a Doctor to attend all of our home games, this is a requirement for Bronze Level.
“This is currently our stumbling block and I believe the reason for our failure to be granted a Bronze Licence.
“I have to stress that during ALL the dialogue between the club, the SPFL and the SFA, there was never any mention of the pending disaster that unfolded.
“We will continue to pursue the Bronze Licence, do our utmost to keep our management team and players together, and fight ( as we did this season ) for the title again next season.”
Saturday’s match was set to be a sellout at K-Park and fans have now been refunded.