Clubs asked to expand league to 19 for Hearts

LOWLAND League clubs have been asked to fit Celtic, Hearts and Rangers ‘B’ teams into an expanded 19-team set-up. Clubs from Scottish football’s fifth tier recently voted in favour of admitting two guest teams next season. Admitted as a one-off experiment last season, Celtic and Rangers Colts were again expected to be included. Handed a deadline of 5pm on Sunday to submit an application, however, Hearts threw a spanner in the works when they also declared an interest in entering a ‘B’ team. Clubs from the SLFL will now be consulted on their willingness to expand the league from 18 to 19 and admit all three — or pick two from three and reject the other. Last month, teams voted by a margin of 11-4 to wave through the two guest teams. Sportsmail understands any vote to expand the league — with sides taking turns to sit out a game each week — could be significantly closer. In a statement confirming a period of consultation on the issue, the SLFL board said: ‘Last month, a majority of 11-4 indicated a preference for the continued involvement of guest clubs, having taken two weeks to weigh up and debate a presentation on the topic. ‘A formal application process was subsequently opened, with three clubs confirming their interest and intent in joining the league. ‘Clearly, the inclusion of three guest clubs would require the current format of the Lowland League to be altered, so the board has entered into a period of consultation with member clubs to gauge the collective appetite for such a move — while talks with other key stakeholders would, naturally, follow before any conclusion could be reached. ‘Whatever the outcome, 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.’ Lowland League outfit Broomhill, meanwhile, will today confirm the appointment of Simon Ferry as their new manager. As first revealed by Sportsmail on March 1, podcasters Open Goal have completed a unique two-year commercial tie-up with the Glasgow outfit. Under the terms of the deal, the club will be rebranded Open Goal Broomhill. The podcast, fronted by former Celtic and Dundee midfielder Ferry, sidekick Paul Slane and ex-Scotland striker Kevin Kyle, has established a significant internet presence.