The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Pyramid proposal raises possibility of relegation
SFA working party considering introduction of another tier
Relegation from the Highland League could be introduced next season after plans to expand the pyramid system in Scottish football to a sixth-tier moved a step closer.
An SFA working party chaired by SFA president Alan McRae, which includes Highland League secretary Rod Houston, is considering introducing another tier of the pyramid, currently the East and South of Scotland, to include the junior ranks, more specifically the West, East and North junior leagues.
In an email SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell stated: “Discussions will also begin between the Highland League and the Scottish Junior FA North Region to explore appropriate access to the pyramid in the north of the country.
“It is anticipated that the new structure, including a new play-off format, could be in place for the start of the 2019-20 season.”
Highland League secretary Houston confirmed a leaked email from Maxwell is genuine.
He said: “That was an internal document for the working group of which I’m a member.
“I am going to carry out what l’ve been tasked with doing, to hold discussions with the North Junior FA to see what their preferences are.”
Two Highland League managers currently involved in a dogfight at the wrong end of the table, have cautiously welcomed the proposed changes.
Recently appointed Clachnacuddin manager Brian MacLeod, whose side are in 16th place in the table, with just four points from 12 games, said “I think a lot needs to be considered.
“We do need to make it more competitive at both the top and bottom end of the table; that can only be a positive.
“For me the Highland League is great as it is.
“Certainly something along these lines could be good. Obviously the geographical logistics would have to be considered, but I can see the thinking behind it.”
Had this proposal been introduced this season, and Fort William – currently sitting on minus eight points – were to finish bottom of the table, and they were to be relegated to the North Junior Superleague, the Lochaber club would be unlikely to relish lengthy trips to the likes of Culter, Stonehaven and Montrose Roselea.
Fort William manager Kris Anderson said: “Obviously if this was to happen this season we definitely wouldn’t be in favour of this proposal, after we’ve had a ninepoint deduction. But, if that were to happen in the north next season for example then for me it would mean the game moving into modern times.”
He added: “We’re building for next season already, and if this does come in I think it will be good progression for football in the north of Scotland, as it’s been a bit stale in recent years.”
An SFA spokesman said: “This is an important development within Scottish football, allowing ambitious clubs progression from grassroots to the highest echelons of our professional game and improving standards.” Deveronvale side at Princess Royal Park in Banff beats that.”
He added: “The conditions for both sides were terrible – wind, rain, hail and sleet – but I thought we handled that well and showed a bit of character.
“Scott (Lisle) scored a good hat-trick and he deserves the plaudits but overall the team has been really consistent.
“They’ve been playing really well, and even the boys who have come off the bench have been making meaningful contributions.
“Everyone in the camp is buzzing but our feet are still firmly on the ground. We know we really will have to be at our very best when we face a Forres Mechanics side which recently went on a 23-game unbeaten run, at Mosset Park this weekend.”
“Geographical logistics would have to be considered”