Pyramid Leagues Superthread

[Footballfirst]

Nairn County not impressed by the Conference League proposals.

 

Written by Nairn County FC58 mins ago

In light of recent news reports about the proposed new Conference League at Tier 5, as a club, we would like to put on record that we do not support the creation of the Conference League.

It would be hypocritical of us to be against B teams given the fact we have had a reserve side in the North Caledonian League for the past three seasons.

What we are against is changing the pyramid model to cater to four clubs so they can parachute their B teams into Tier 5 on a permanent basis and essentially relegate both the Highland and Lowland Leagues and all other tiers below. At what point does four become six or eight other Premiership clubs wanting a B team parachuted in?

There are plenty of ambitious non-league clubs who want to further themselves but are finding that an additional hurdle is forcibly being put in place to prevent clubs at our level and below from being able to progress in a fair manner.

As part of an initial document that outlined the Scottish FA objectives, we were presented with strengths and weaknesses of the conference league, there was no reference to any perceived weaknesses to the existing non-league clubs at our tier and below. The weaknesses were too concerned about lack of promotion and relegation for the B sides.

With no promotion or relegation for the B teams, there is every chance a ‘normal’ team finishing in 6th place in the league would still get relegated.

There was no option to vote on keeping the status quo.

We might ‘only’ be Nairn County, but we want to ensure that the pyramid delivers for the whole of the game and not just four clubs who already have established teams within the pyramid.

[Glamorgan Jambo]

That’s a good point from Nairn County about the existence of reserve teams in lower leagues. Stranraer reserves play in the South of Scotland League. And Clachnacuddin reserves play in the North Caledonian League.

 

There has to be a way to get more B teams in there without blocking the progression of many teams who have invested heavily in recent years.

[Sooks]

8 hours ago, Footballfirst said:

Nairn County not impressed by the Conference League proposals.

 

Written by Nairn County FC58 mins ago

In light of recent news reports about the proposed new Conference League at Tier 5, as a club, we would like to put on record that we do not support the creation of the Conference League.

It would be hypocritical of us to be against B teams given the fact we have had a reserve side in the North Caledonian League for the past three seasons.

What we are against is changing the pyramid model to cater to four clubs so they can parachute their B teams into Tier 5 on a permanent basis and essentially relegate both the Highland and Lowland Leagues and all other tiers below. At what point does four become six or eight other Premiership clubs wanting a B team parachuted in?

There are plenty of ambitious non-league clubs who want to further themselves but are finding that an additional hurdle is forcibly being put in place to prevent clubs at our level and below from being able to progress in a fair manner.

As part of an initial document that outlined the Scottish FA objectives, we were presented with strengths and weaknesses of the conference league, there was no reference to any perceived weaknesses to the existing non-league clubs at our tier and below. The weaknesses were too concerned about lack of promotion and relegation for the B sides.

With no promotion or relegation for the B teams, there is every chance a ‘normal’ team finishing in 6th place in the league would still get relegated.

There was no option to vote on keeping the status quo.

We might ‘only’ be Nairn County, but we want to ensure that the pyramid delivers for the whole of the game and not just four clubs who already have established teams within the pyramid.

There are plenty of ambitious non-league clubs who want to further themselves but are finding that an additional hurdle is forcibly being put in place to prevent clubs at our level and below from being able to progress in a fair manner.

 

@Footballfirst what is the situation for promotion to the Highland League ? Is it the same convoluted closed shop mess as the Lowland League

[Footballfirst]

2 hours ago, Sooks said:

@Footballfirst what is the situation for promotion to the Highland League ? Is it the same convoluted closed shop mess as the Lowland League

The winners of the NRJFA Premier League and the Midland League, if licensed, play off against the team that finishes bottom of the Highland League. 

 

There are currently no licensed clubs in the NRJFA, and only two (Lochee Utd and Tayport) in the Midland.  Neither of the two licensed clubs are likely to win the Midland League, so there will be no play-off with Strathspey Thistle who finished bottom of the HL by some distance. 

Edited April 29, 2023 by Footballfirst

[Sooks]

6 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

The winners of the NRJFA Premier League and the Midland League, if licensed, play off against the team that finishes bottom of the Highland League. 

 

There are currently no licensed clubs in the NRJFA, and only two (Lochee Utd and Tayport) in the Midland.  Neither of the two licensed clubs are likely to win the Midland League, so there will be no play-off with Strathspey Thistle who finished bottom of the HL by some distance. 

Oh well , probably not worth them worrying too much then 

[BlueRiver]

4 minutes ago, R9. said:

Anyone actually going to this Spartans game today I’ve been saying all week I’m going never got ticket yet woke up this morning doubting going now 😂 can’t even pull myself to a non league game of football to back a local team 

 

I was going to but ended up having a couple of pints last night and at the moment seems unlikely I'll make it.

 

[BlueRiver]

Just now, R9. said:

I think you can pay at the gate or get tickets on fan base I’ll see how I feel nearer to 3 will end up with a coupon on and watching a 3pm EPL game 

 

Aye its normally pay at the gate at that level you'll be fine if you do decide to pop along. 

 

I reckon I'll be the same as you though 🤣 it seemed like a great idea all week till I woke up this morning. 

 

Ach I'll just kid on I'll go if they make it through to play whoever the League 2 side is.

[Arfur]

A 5th tier is just getting to joke levels of ridiculousness. We need 2 leagues of full time teams and then go to regionals under that. I would love to say 2 leagues of 16 or 18 but that still results in 34/36 top level  teams - have you seen some of the attendances in the 3rd tier?

Reduce the number of top level clubs and financially back then to turn it into a good product. I quite like the thought of 2 leagues of 12 (Premiership & Championship). Each team to play each other twice home & away then the 2 leagues split into 3 - top 8 of the Premiership (playing for league & Europe), bottom 4 of the Premiership & top 4 of the Championship (playing for the 4 spots in Premiership), bottom 8 of Championship (playing to stay in the championship and not drop down to regional leagues. Means every team is still playing for something at the end of the season. Both leagues can be packaged for TV rights, would still have a split but post splits would play both home and away against all teams in their split rather than what we have now. 

[DETTY29]

14 hours ago, Glamorgan Jambo said:

That’s a good point from Nairn County about the existence of reserve teams in lower leagues. Stranraer reserves play in the South of Scotland League. And Clachnacuddin reserves play in the North Caledonian League.

 

There has to be a way to get more B teams in there without blocking the progression of many teams who have invested heavily in recent years.

B teams start at the very bottom of the structure?

 

Or an SPFL reserve league?

[Tommy Brown]

 

[Footballfirst]

Beith wins the WOS Premier League title after beating Kilwinning 5-0 and Darvel could only draw 1-1 away to Hurlford.

 

Linlithgow wins the EOS Premier League after winning 2-1 at Haddington.

 

Linlithgow  now have to wait to see how the SOS plays out before knowing whether or not they will go into the LL automatically.

[merseyjambo]

I’ll have the idea of the conference league but I think it’s pretty poor that it’s only 3 teams from Highland and Lowland league plus the 4 B teams (who can’t get promoted). 
 

It would be better with 6 or 7 plus 4 B teams. 
 

Only reason I can see for the split they are talking about are 4 OF ‘B’ games for Sky to soil their knickers over.

 

FF - will the rules re eligible players for B team remain as they are?????

[Footballfirst]

25 minutes ago, Tommy Brown said:

 

Great result for Spartans given they played more than half the game with 10 men.

 

Elgin has avoided the Club 42 playoff after today's win, coupled with Bonnyrigg's draw and Albion Rovers defeat.  Bonnyrigg now just need to avoid defeat in their last game at home to Elgin to escape the play-off.

[Footballfirst]

1 minute ago, merseyjambo said:

I’ll have the idea of the conference league but I think it’s pretty poor that it’s only 3 teams from Highland and Lowland league plus the 4 B teams (who can’t get promoted). 
 

It would be better with 6 or 7 plus 4 B teams. 
 

Only reason I can see for the split they are talking about are 4 OF ‘B’ games for Sky to soil their knickers over.

 

FF - will the rules re eligible players for B team remain as they are?????

As far as I'm aware the B Team rules will be the same for next season in the LL, although there could be changes for the following season in a Conference League if that goes ahead.

 

My understanding of the Conference League proposals is that it will be made up with 4 from the LL, 2 from the HL and 4 x B Teams.

[leginten]

44 minutes ago, Tommy Brown said:

 

From a free-kick needlessly conceded by Brechin. Spartans did very well in the second half with ten men. Brechin huffed and puffed a lot, but apart from the long-range shot that rattled the bar they didn’t come all that close.

[John Findlay]

1 hour ago, leginten said:

From a free-kick needlessly conceded by Brechin. Spartans did very well in the second half with ten men. Brechin huffed and puffed a lot, but apart from the long-range shot that rattled the bar they didn’t come all that close.

It was Kevin McHattie that hit the shot that cannoned off the bar. Mind you Spartans hit the post before that.

[Footballfirst]

Spartans v Brechin, yellow card or red card for DOGSO or serious foul play?  The ref thought it was only worth a yellow.

 

 

[davemclaren]

3 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

Spartans v Brechin, yellow card or red card for DOGSO or serious foul play?  The ref thought it was only worth a yellow.

 

 

Looks a clear red based on the second photo. 

[davemclaren]

4 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

Spartans v Brechin, yellow card or red card for DOGSO or serious foul play?  The ref thought it was only worth a yellow.

 

 

If Spartans go up when was the last time that Edinburgh had 4 teams in the top leagues?

[Footballfirst]

8 minutes ago, davemclaren said:

If Spartans go up when was the last time that Edinburgh had 4 teams in the top leagues?

There were 5 going into WWII (1939/40), Hearts, Hibs, Leith Athletic, St Bernards and Edinburgh City, but only two on resumption of normal leagues following the war (1946/47).

Edited April 30, 2023 by Footballfirst

[RobboM]

17 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

Spartans v Brechin, yellow card or red card for DOGSO or serious foul play?  The ref thought it was only worth a yellow.

 

 

If that foul was commited by an outfield player the ref would have the red card out before the ball had bounced

[John Findlay]

20 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

Spartans v Brechin, yellow card or red card for DOGSO or serious foul play?  The ref thought it was only worth a yellow.

 

 

Considering what the Spartans player got the straight Red for in the first half, then the Brechin keeper should have seen a straight Red too.

[davemclaren]

11 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

There were 5 going into WWII (1939/40), Hearts, Hibs, Leith Athletic, St Bernards and Edinburgh City, but only two on resumption of normal leagues following the war (1946/47).

👍

[Niemi’s gloves]

27 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

There were 5 going into WWII (1939/40), Hearts, Hibs, Leith Athletic, St Bernards and Edinburgh City, but only two on resumption of normal leagues following the war (1946/47).

To be pedantic, there were still four Edinburgh clubs after WW2 with both Leith Athletic and Edinburgh City playing in the new Division C in 1946/47, a division that included seven independent teams (most of which had been in Division 2 pre-war) and three reserve or  ‘A’ teams of bigger clubs. In fact Leith Athletic were promoted that season but came straight back down the next year. 
 

 The C division gradually expanded and changed shape  as more and more reserve sides of bigger clubs  were included and eventually was split into two geographically around 1950 before becoming fully a reserve league in 1955-56.  At that point the five remaining independent clubs were added to the top two divisions, which expanded from 16 teams each to 18 and 19 respectively. But by that time both Leith Athletic and Edinburgh City had dropped out. 
 

The old C division is perhaps an interesting and not altogether happy example of how the proposed new 5th tier Conference may develop. 

 

[davemclaren]

21 minutes ago, Niemi’s gloves said:

To be pedantic, there were still four Edinburgh clubs after WW2 with both Leith Athletic and Edinburgh City playing in the new Division C in 1946/47, a division that included seven independent teams (most of which had been in Division 2 pre-war) and three reserve or  ‘A’ teams of bigger clubs. In fact Leith Athletic were promoted that season but came straight back down the next year. 
 

 The C division gradually expanded and changed shape  as more and more reserve sides of bigger clubs  were included and eventually was split into two geographically around 1950 before becoming fully a reserve league in 1955-56.  At that point the five remaining independent clubs were added to the top two divisions, which expanded from 16 teams each to 18 and 19 respectively. But by that time both Leith Athletic and Edinburgh City had dropped out. 
 

The old C division is perhaps an interesting and not altogether happy example of how the proposed new 5th tier Conference may develop. 

 

Certainly an interesting tale. 

[Footballfirst]

12 minutes ago, Niemi’s gloves said:

To be pedantic, there were still four Edinburgh clubs after WW2 with both Leith Athletic and Edinburgh City playing in the new Division C in 1946/47, a division that included seven independent teams (most of which had been in Division 2 pre-war) and three reserve or  ‘A’ teams of bigger clubs. In fact Leith Athletic were promoted that season but came straight back down the next year. 
 

 The C division gradually expanded and changed shape  as more and more reserve sides of bigger clubs  were included and eventually was split into two geographically around 1950 before becoming fully a reserve league in 1955-56.  At that point the five remaining independent clubs were added to the top two divisions, which expanded from 16 teams each to 18 and 19 respectively. But by that time both Leith Athletic and Edinburgh City had dropped out. 
 

The old C division is perhaps an interesting and not altogether happy example of how the proposed new 5th tier Conference may develop. 

 

Thanks for the additional info.  I have now checked who played in the C division in each season. As you say, there is a precedent for the conference league, with the "smaller clubs being squeezed out over time.

 

1946/47

Stirling Albion

Dundee 'A'

Leith Athletic

East Stirlingshire

St Johnstone 'A'

Forfar Athletic

Montrose

Brechin City

Dundee United 'A'

Edinburgh City   1947/48 East Stirlingshire East Fife 'A' Forfar Athletic Kilmarnock 'A' St Johnstone 'A' Dundee United 'A' Montrose Arbroath 'A' Leith Athletic 'A' Brechin City Edinburgh City Raith Rovers 'A'   1948/49 Forfar Athletic Leith Athletic Brechin City Montrose Queen's Park Strollers Airdrieonians 'A' St Johnstone 'A' Dundee United 'A' Raith Rovers 'A' Kilmarnock 'A' Dunfermline Athletic 'A' Edinburgh City

 

It was regionalised the following season mostly with reserve sides

Hibernian 'A'

Heart of Midlothian 'A'

St Johnstone 'A'

Aberdeen 'A'

Dundee 'A'

Brechin City

Arbroath 'A'

East Fife 'A'

Montrose

Dundee United 'A'

Raith Rovers 'A'

East Stirlingshire

Leith Athletic

Dunfermline Athletic 'A'

Stirling Albion 'A'

Alloa Athletic 'A'

Clyde 'A'

Rangers 'A'

St Mirren 'A'

Falkirk 'A'

Motherwell 'A'

Third Lanark 'A'

Partick Thistle 'A'

Stranraer

Ayr United 'A'

Morton 'A'

Queen's Park Strollers

Airdrieonians 'A'

Queen of the South 'A'

Celtic 'A'

Kilmarnock 'A'

Albion Rovers 'A'

Hamilton Academical 'A'

Dumbarton 'A'

 

[Footballfirst]

In the SOSFL, Creetown lost 1-4 at home to Stranraer Reserves tonight. That leaves Abbey Vale top on goal difference but with Creetown having played a game more and only having one game left.

 

Abbey Vale has a much superior goal difference (+24), so only needs to match Creetown's result on Saturday to secure the title (and Linlithgow's unopposed promotion to the LL).

 

#	Team	Pl	HW	HD	HL	AW	AD	AL	W	D	L	F	A	Diff	Pts
1.	Abbey Vale FC	20	7	1	1	10	0	1	17	1	2	93	22	71	52
2.	Creetown FC	21	8	1	1	8	3	0	16	4	1	64	17	47	52
3.	Lochar Thistle FC	21	9	1	1	6	3	1	15	4	2	75	28	47	49
4.	Stranraer FC	20	6	1	4	7	0	2	13	1	6	63	32	31	40
5.	Mid Annandale FC	22	6	2	3	5	3	3	11	5	6	62	38	24	38
6.	Newton Stewart FC	21	7	1	3	5	0	5	12	1	8	55	47	8	37

[Locky]

On 30/04/2023 at 12:30, Footballfirst said:

Spartans v Brechin, yellow card or red card for DOGSO or serious foul play?  The ref thought it was only worth a yellow.

 

 

 

On 30/04/2023 at 12:51, John Findlay said:

Considering what the Spartans player got the straight Red for in the first half, then the Brechin keeper should have seen a straight Red too.

I was at the game too, and I can only assume that the Spartans red card was given as a 'clear goalscoring opportunity' (mental considering he was still about 40 yards from goal, last man or not). This was surely more of a goalscoring opportunity?

[Mikey1874]

 

[Footballfirst]

25 minutes ago, Locky said:

 

I was at the game too, and I can only assume that the Spartans red card was given as a 'clear goalscoring opportunity' (mental considering he was still about 40 yards from goal, last man or not). This was surely more of a goalscoring opportunity?

I spoke to a former referee who now mentors young referees, yesterday. He was at the game and thought that the Spartans red was debatable and that the Brechin keeper should have seen red. He said that he didn't get as far as considering DOGSO, because it was clearly "serious foul play" regardless.

Edited May 3, 2023 by Footballfirst

[Mikey1874]

See incidents again

 

Spartans red 5.12

Brechin keeper is 9.07

 

 

[Hungry hippo]

Both were reds IMO.

[Locky]

33 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

I spoke to a former referee who now mentors young referees, yesterday. He was at the game and thought that the Spartans red was debatable and that the Brechin keeper should have seen red. He said that he didn't get as far as considering DOGSO, because it was clearly "serious foul play" regardless.

I was stood right behind the goal where it happened and I'd agree it was foul play. The minute the keeper came off his line you could tell he wasn't going to make it but continued to go right through the player. No intent to pull out or get the ball for me.

 

Even if there was intent to get the ball and it was just mistimed, still arguably a red for me too. I always thought the unwritten rule was double jeopardy, outside the box its a red, inside the box its a yellow.

 

Few of the refs decisions at that game were rather baffling, with Spartans on the wrong end of most.

[John Findlay]

1 hour ago, Locky said:

 

I was at the game too, and I can only assume that the Spartans red card was given as a 'clear goalscoring opportunity' (mental considering he was still about 40 yards from goal, last man or not). This was surely more of a goalscoring opportunity?

I'm actually in the top photo. Bald guy second from the far left. Stood next to me on my right is a Brechin supporter.

Who said their keeper was very lucky to stay on.

[Locky]

Just now, John Findlay said:

I'm actually in the top photo. Bald guy second from the far left. Stood next to me on my right is a Brechin supporter.

Who said their keeper was very lucky to stay on.

Wasn't far from you. Over the opposite corner stood by the Brechin young team. Me and my pal probably the only 2 clapping when Spartans scored.  

[John Findlay]

2 minutes ago, Locky said:

Wasn't far from you. Over the opposite corner stood by the Brechin young team. Me and my pal probably the only 2 clapping when Spartans scored.  

👍

[Chuck Berry]

Morton consulting fans on the Conference vote, good to see.

 

Are FoH planning to consult fans on this issue I wonder?

[Chuck Berry]

On 30/04/2023 at 13:56, Footballfirst said:

Thanks for the additional info.  I have now checked who played in the C division in each season. As you say, there is a precedent for the conference league, with the "smaller clubs being squeezed out over time.

 

1946/47

Stirling Albion

Dundee 'A'

Leith Athletic

East Stirlingshire

St Johnstone 'A'

Forfar Athletic

Montrose

Brechin City

Dundee United 'A'

Edinburgh City   1947/48 East Stirlingshire East Fife 'A' Forfar Athletic Kilmarnock 'A' St Johnstone 'A' Dundee United 'A' Montrose Arbroath 'A' Leith Athletic 'A' Brechin City Edinburgh City Raith Rovers 'A'   1948/49 Forfar Athletic Leith Athletic Brechin City Montrose Queen's Park Strollers Airdrieonians 'A' St Johnstone 'A' Dundee United 'A' Raith Rovers 'A' Kilmarnock 'A' Dunfermline Athletic 'A' Edinburgh City

 

It was regionalised the following season mostly with reserve sides

Hibernian 'A'

Heart of Midlothian 'A'

St Johnstone 'A'

Aberdeen 'A'

Dundee 'A'

Brechin City

Arbroath 'A'

East Fife 'A'

Montrose

Dundee United 'A'

Raith Rovers 'A'

East Stirlingshire

Leith Athletic

Dunfermline Athletic 'A'

Stirling Albion 'A'

Alloa Athletic 'A'

Clyde 'A'

Rangers 'A'

St Mirren 'A'

Falkirk 'A'

Motherwell 'A'

Third Lanark 'A'

Partick Thistle 'A'

Stranraer

Ayr United 'A'

Morton 'A'

Queen's Park Strollers

Airdrieonians 'A'

Queen of the South 'A'

Celtic 'A'

Kilmarnock 'A'

Albion Rovers 'A'

Hamilton Academical 'A'

Dumbarton 'A'

 

 

70+ years ago is hardly a precedence.

[davemclaren]

1 minute ago, Chuck Berry said:

Morton consulting fans on the Conference vote, good to see.

 

Are FoH planning to consult fans on this issue I wonder?

As Hearts are one of the proponents I would doubt it. 

[Mikey1874]

4 minutes ago, davemclaren said:

As Hearts are one of the proponents I would doubt it. 

 

What's your source? This has come from the SPFL under pressure from Rangers and Celtic long term campaign to get their B teams into the SPFL leagues and from League 2 teams giving themselves a buffer. don't think Hearts are behind it at all. Unless you have that information you can share. 

[Footballfirst]

7 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

 

70+ years ago is hardly a precedence.

The whole of the UK establishment is build on precedents, whether it's the monarchy, parliament or the legal system, in some cases for 100s of years.

[Sooks]

The clubs that voted to scrap the reserve league can belt up when it comes to complaining about this . We would not be here if they had not penny pinched to spend more money on the first team , and slash costs 

[davemclaren]

3 minutes ago, Mikey1874 said:

 

What's your source? This has come from the SPFL under pressure from Rangers and Celtic long term campaign to get their B teams into the SPFL leagues and from League 2 teams giving themselves a buffer. don't think Hearts are behind it at all. Unless you have that information you can share. 

I've no source but given the four B team clubs are explicitly named as Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts I felt it a safe bet to assume those clubs were supportive. It would be odd if they weren't. 

[Footballfirst]

3 minutes ago, davemclaren said:

I've no source but given the four B team clubs are explicitly named as Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts I felt it a safe bet to assume those clubs were supportive. It would be odd if they weren't. 

I'd echo that. Hearts was certainly a key factor for the OF in the B Teams participation in the LL for the season just completed.  The initial vote of the LL clubs was to deny entry to a 3rd "guest" club.  The OF made a take it or leave it offer to the LL, either admit all three guests or none. To that extent Hearts was working along with the OF.

 

Whether or not Hearts was being used by the OF to further their own aims is a different question.

[Stanley_]

20 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

The whole of the UK establishment is build on precedents, whether it's the monarchy, parliament or the legal system, in some cases for 100s of years.

The old C divisions was a different scenario. It was an attempt to kick the smaller clubs out the league and put them below it playing with reserve teams (all of the first teams in the C division had been in the B division the season before, pre-WWII). There was no pyramid system or promotion into the league. Not comparable at all to the Conference idea.

Edited May 3, 2023 by Stanley_

[Chuck Berry]

3 hours ago, Footballfirst said:

The whole of the UK establishment is build on precedents, whether it's the monarchy, parliament or the legal system, in some cases for 100s of years.

 

OK I'll put it another way, you cannot use it as justification for the existence of B teams in the Pyramid.

[Chuck Berry]

3 hours ago, davemclaren said:

As Hearts are one of the proponents I would doubt it. 

 

The SFA are, not Hearts, and as the Conference is not proposed to start until 24/25, it would be good if FoH consulted fans on this given the reps will be part of board discussions whether to vote for it or not.

[Chuck Berry]

3 hours ago, davemclaren said:

I've no source but given the four B team clubs are explicitly named as Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts I felt it a safe bet to assume those clubs were supportive. It would be odd if they weren't. 

 

Aberdeen are not even certain they want a B team.  Be careful of SFA spin.

[davemclaren]

14 minutes ago, Chuck Berry said:

 

The SFA are, not Hearts, and as the Conference is not proposed to start until 24/25, it would be good if FoH consulted fans on this given the reps will be part of board discussions whether to vote for it or not.

The reps are part of discussions on a myriad of things but don't directly consult the fans on them.  There are defined items which FoH have to consult their members on and this isn't one. 

[That thing you do]

If Scottish football was in my hands id restructure the whole thing

 

18 team Premier League  2 x 17 league games (34) plus a new playoff series emulating South Americas Apertura and Clausura) with bottom 2 down and so not qualifying. Up to 38 games inc playoff series if reach final.

18 Team championship 2 up, 3 down

18 Team National Championship - 3 up 2 down max for colt teams as in Germany.

(54 Clubs - all teams must field 2 u21 scots minimum to help build the game)

 

(with top 7 highland and lowland the first season making up the numbers.

 

Highland/lowland

 

as is but 2 up 1 from each

4 down (relegated teams are placed in best fit north east south west regional divisions) 

 

Below that

top juniors asked to fill vacant high/low spots filling the third div 18 team spots plus colt teams from any premiership team that wants in. 

 

Highland and Lowland

1 up from each region (north, east west south) with east west team allocated on best fit basis

 

Regional leagues usual promotion/relegation.

 

Scottish Football fixed. And a ton of teams move up the pyramid first season.

 

18 team top league would see Queens Park, Dundee, Ayr,Inverness, Partick Thistle would all be top flight clubs if it were now.

 

Ayrshire derby, Dundee Derby, Thistle have a good support, highland derby back too.

 

 

Edited May 3, 2023 by That thing you do