Bonnyrigg Rose deducted 6 points

[Joey J J Jr Shabadoo]

25 minutes ago, SectionDJambo said:

Yes. Now my home town team.

They got lucky, all those years ago, with the sale of the old Victoria Park, but have made the most of it.

They must be disappointed, though, that their great rivals have made it into the Scottish League ahead of them, but then again they maybe know their limitations and are happy where they are.

I don’t know. I’ve lost touch with how the old east junior clubs are doing and what represents success for them these days.

 

8 minutes ago, ehcaley said:

A lot of pit apprentices attended the Thursday night discos in the 70s🕺🕺🕺🕺

👍

[maltese jambo]

Great to see Bonnyrigg in the league system.

 

Fabulous to see more east coast clubs, especially former junior teams, doing so well and trying to progress...the likes of Musselburgh Athletic who have a huge game in the Scottish cup against Hamilton this weekend; what a great achievement.

 

For the former junior clubs, playing in the league or competing in the Scottish cup proper was simply not possible until recently despite the fact that many of them have regular attendances well in advance of clubs in league 1 or even the championship.

 

With regards to finances; For Bonnyrigg to move through the leagues they simply have to spend and indeed have to ensure they keep progressing, so spending 40k on transfers isn't really a huge shock.

 

Good luck to them and all the other east Coast clubs challenging the status quo.

Edited January 14 by maltese jambo

[Footballfirst]

Bonnyrigg will be able to pay for ground improvements if they can get crowds like this again.

 

[tazhearts]

5 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

Bonnyrigg will be able to pay for ground improvements if they can get crowds like this again.

 

Great picture. Any idea when it's from?

[Footballfirst]

12 minutes ago, tazhearts said:

Great picture. Any idea when it's from?

Source says 1960 Bonnyrigg v Johnstone Burgh. I assume it was a Junior Cup tie.

[davemclaren]

46 minutes ago, Footballfirst said:

Bonnyrigg will be able to pay for ground improvements if they can get crowds like this again.

 

Great picture. 

[Cambo_Jambo]

I'm not sure what their capacity is but if they did some sort of 'Support Us For a Day' or '**** the SFA/SPFL' promotion on an international weekend and tried to get massive crowds through the door that would probably be well supported.

 

Particularly by Hearts fans I would imagine as I feel like every second auld git I see at the football somehow knows my Dad from his youth in Bonnyrigg!

[skinnybob72]

Drew 2-2 with The Spartans tonight, crowd was c600 I think.

[Thomaso]

On 14/01/2025 at 20:58, SectionDJambo said:

Yes. Now my home town team.

They got lucky, all those years ago, with the sale of the old Victoria Park, but have made the most of it.

They must be disappointed, though, that their great rivals have made it into the Scottish League ahead of them, but then again they maybe know their limitations and are happy where they are.

I don’t know. I’ve lost touch with how the old east junior clubs are doing and what represents success for them these days.

Musselburgh Athletic have left Star in their wake to be honest. Musselburgh are top of the league in a division above Star, and just lost very unluckily against Hamilton in the 4th round of the SC.

[davemclaren]

26 minutes ago, skinnybob72 said:

Drew 2-2 with The Spartans tonight, crowd was c600 I think.

Very cold as well. 

[Canscot]

3 hours ago, Footballfirst said:

Bonnyrigg will be able to pay for ground improvements if they can get crowds like this again.

 

I remember when my dad used to take me to West Calder United games as a nipper and they had crowds like that too. 
Some of my earliest memories are of those scenes and sitting on his shoulders. Would have been around 1960 or so. 

Edited January 22 by Canscot

[SectionDJambo]

12 hours ago, Footballfirst said:

Bonnyrigg will be able to pay for ground improvements if they can get crowds like this again.

 

Some of the big Scottish Junior Cup ties attracted thousands to the local grounds. I remember huge crowds at Arniston for ties against Johnstone Burgh, Neilston Juniors and Linlithgow Rose.

[davemclaren]

https://www.bonnyriggrosefc.co.uk/news/spfl-report-update-2898707.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1q6TZmfOFToUAMWmBzgmlxTzzplf71idS7PqoKX21y4eNzpYzVCL4ZvSc_aem_TNgVpIUBKNj3p-NDskLxNg

[Footballfirst]

4 hours ago, davemclaren said:

https://www.bonnyriggrosefc.co.uk/news/spfl-report-update-2898707.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1q6TZmfOFToUAMWmBzgmlxTzzplf71idS7PqoKX21y4eNzpYzVCL4ZvSc_aem_TNgVpIUBKNj3p-NDskLxNg

👍 They seem to be making decent progress with their fundraising. £70k so far. 

[davemclaren]

[Tommy Brown]

19 hours ago, davemclaren said:

What does this mean to them.

Do they still have fix slope?

More time to do the works?

[milky_26]

16 minutes ago, Tommy Brown said:

What does this mean to them.

Do they still have fix slope?

More time to do the works?

their statement from the end of january when they submitted their plan to the SPFL stated that they would do the pitch work as soon as the season finished.

[Dazo]

25 minutes ago, Tommy Brown said:

What does this mean to them.

Do they still have fix slope?

More time to do the works?

I’m guessing providing proof of funds to do the work when the season ends. 

[davemclaren]

1 hour ago, Dazo said:

I’m guessing providing proof of funds to do the work when the season ends. 

I think that's correct. 

[John Findlay]

Shouldn't they get the Six points back too?

[poultry]

My wife and her sisters attended a country night in the Anvil , probably around a month ago, (fund raiser for the Rose 🌹) think they raised around £2,600. Good to see the community doing there bit.

[davemclaren]

Bonnyrigg are bronze once more… but we’re not stopping there 🥉

Following the fantastic news earlier this week that the Scottish FA have reinstated our bronze licence, we’re eager to maintain the good mood in Midlothian 🌹 

So, with that in mind, we’re delighted to have hit the wonderful £100,000 mark 🎉 

 

[davemclaren]

https://www.bonnyriggrosefc.co.uk/news/pitch-update-2907927.html

[Footballfirst]

38 minutes ago, davemclaren said:

https://www.bonnyriggrosefc.co.uk/news/pitch-update-2907927.html

Good news all round. Just need to make sure that they don't end up as Club 42 and face a play-off against the HL/LL play-off winner.

[davemclaren]

1 hour ago, Footballfirst said:

Good news all round. Just need to make sure that they don't end up as Club 42 and face a play-off against the HL/LL play-off winner.

Exactly. 

[Jambo dans les Pyrenees]

Playing away to Clyde tomorrow at New Douglas Park.  The Bully Wee don’t have their own ground (slope or not) anymore but everyone on here should be aware that Clyde are great and not financially doping their way to success, given their 3rd bottom place in the table.

 

 

It’s a real six pointer, a 2-0 win for the Rosey Posey could see them overtake Clyde and pull away from Forfar.

 

[PaddysBar]

33 minutes ago, Jambo dans les Pyrenees said:

Playing away to Clyde tomorrow at New Douglas Park.  The Bully Wee don’t have their own ground (slope or not) anymore but everyone on here should be aware that Clyde are great and not financially doping their way to success, given their 3rd bottom place in the table.

 

 

It’s a real six pointer, a 2-0 win for the Rosey Posey could see them overtake Clyde and pull away from Forfar.

 

where’s that Tom Hardy looking skywards saying ‘That’s bait’ gif when you need it😂

[Mikey1874]

Bottom of league. 

[Tommy Brown]

Could come down to their head to head with Forfar. Both similar run ins.

2nd last game.

[Morgan]

💁

[Stanley_]

2 points in 8 games for Bonnyrigg. Not looking too good now. Forfar on far better form (3 wins in last 4).

[soonbe110]

9 hours ago, Stanley_ said:

2 points in 8 games for Bonnyrigg. Not looking too good now. Forfar on far better form (3 wins in last 4).

Forfar seem to have found some form and results. East Kilbride will probably be too strong for BR. Could all come down to whether ICT can survive into next season. 

[Star Lizard]

Would much rather see good Midlothian towns doing well that shiteholes like East Kilbride so for that reason come on BR

[michael_bolton]

1 hour ago, soonbe110 said:

Forfar seem to have found some form and results. East Kilbride will probably be too strong for BR. Could all come down to whether ICT can survive into next season. 

People thought the same last season about EK playing Stranraer, but that ended up fine.

 

The Lowland League really is a poor standard, much poorer than League Two. EK have spent a lot of money, but performance in the LL isn't a great indicator of being ready for the play-off, and I wouldn't give up hope of Club 42 beating them again this year.

[Tommy Brown]

2 hours ago, Star Lizard said:

Would much rather see good Midlothian towns doing well that shiteholes like East Kilbride so for that reason come on BR

Would rather have Bonnyrigg and Forfar over Spartans and Edinburgh City

[Cambo_Jambo]

1 hour ago, michael_bolton said:

People thought the same last season about EK playing Stranraer, but that ended up fine.

 

The Lowland League really is a poor standard, much poorer than League Two. EK have spent a lot of money, but performance in the LL isn't a great indicator of being ready for the play-off, and I wouldn't give up hope of Club 42 beating them again this year.

Now that a lot of the LL perennial overachievers have come up and the standard clubs who struggled at the bottom of League 2 have fallen through the trapdoor, I think you'll see the Club 42 play-offs start to resemble the Premier/Championship play off more in that the team at the higher level tends to win.

 

From memory, the trend was for club 42 to be miles off it and clearly the worst but this season and last, it looks more like they are competitive in the league and not just whipping boys.

 

Honourable mention to Albion who weren't miles off it but walked into the buzz saw of a Spartans organisation that had been a league team in waiting for about a decade.

[Cambo_Jambo]

31 minutes ago, Tommy Brown said:

Would rather have Bonnyrigg and Forfar over Spartans and Edinburgh City

TBH, I'd rather we start filling the lower leagues with south eastern teams that are less likely to cow tow to the Old Firm. We talk about the concentration of refs coming for the westerns refereeing associations. This might help address that balance.

[michael_bolton]

1 hour ago, Tommy Brown said:

Would rather have Bonnyrigg and Forfar over Spartans and Edinburgh City

 

100%.

 

Edinburgh City bring nothing to the SPFL whatsoever and Spartans are a horrible team and an incredibly sterile-feeling place to watch a game.

 

For all we hear about Spartans' organisation and community work etc, it doesn't really cut through to attendances and they have an away support of double figures.

 

Fair play to them for their advances over the years, but I'd have Forfar over them any time.

[Tommy Brown]

5 minutes ago, michael_bolton said:

 

100%.

 

Edinburgh City bring nothing to the SPFL whatsoever and Spartans are a horrible team and an incredibly sterile-feeling place to watch a game.

 

For all we hear about Spartans' organisation and community work etc, it doesn't really cut through to attendances and they have an away support of double figures.

 

Fair play to them for their advances over the years, but I'd have Forfar over them any time.

Don't know much about this level other than results and tables. This thread is always a good read.

EK, don't know much about them. Do they have a following? A decent ground of their own?

Get the feeling they're another playtoy for some smug businessman (cough).

[michael_bolton]

3 minutes ago, Tommy Brown said:

Don't know much about this level other than results and tables. This thread is always a good read.

EK, don't know much about them. Do they have a following? A decent ground of their own?

Get the feeling they're another playtoy for some smug businessman (cough).

 

EK would be a nightmare. You'll find pretty much all lower league fans will be supporting whoever plays them in the playoffs, in both rounds.

 

They appeared in a town that already has a long-standing Junior club, EK Thistle, and the new EK team has no support beyond friends and family and plays in a dreadful plastic-feeling stadium at Calderglen Park on the edges of Easy Kilbride. It's near nothing, it's soulless, and nobody goes there.

 

It would immediately become probably the worst SPFL away day, close competition from Edinburgh City.

 

The face of League 2 looks likely to change considerably in the coming years, and not for the better. We've already seen classic lower league venues like Albion Rovers, Cowdenbeath, and Berwick drop out and be replaced by far more sterile clubs like Spartans and Edinburgh City. EK seem likely to get in some time, and they'll be another one of those clubs. Worryingly, Caledonian Braves seem to be willing to finance close to full-time football to get in soon too. They are another EK, basically.

 

The worry is that this kind of thing will completely change the experience of foing to 3rd/4th tier football. Previously it was an alternative to what top flight football has become; with identikit stadiums, VAR, a consumerist feel.

 

But they type of cashed-up but soul-light club we've seen come in change that experience. Going to watch a game at Edinburgh City or Spartans is a pretty miserable experience. It feels like you're at your local sports centre, not a football match. EK and Caley Braves would both make that worse, and there's a decent chance that in a few years a lot of the attraction of going to watch League 2 has just been lost.

 

The pyramid is a good thing, but the unintended consequences are coming home to roost.

[michael_bolton]

1 hour ago, Cambo_Jambo said:

TBH, I'd rather we start filling the lower leagues with south eastern teams that are less likely to cow tow to the Old Firm. We talk about the concentration of refs coming for the westerns refereeing associations. This might help address that balance.

 

What does this even mean?

 

In what sense do you think the likes of Dumbarton, Morton, or Stirling Albion have any impact on the Old firm whatsoever?

 

Bizarre stuff.

[Tommy Brown]

6 minutes ago, michael_bolton said:

 

EK would be a nightmare. You'll find pretty much all lower league fans will be supporting whoever plays them in the playoffs, in both rounds.

 

They appeared in a town that already has a long-standing Junior club, EK Thistle, and the new EK team has no support beyond friends and family and plays in a dreadful plastic-feeling stadium at Calderglen Park on the edges of Easy Kilbride. It's near nothing, it's soulless, and nobody goes there.

 

It would immediately become probably the worst SPFL away day, close competition from Edinburgh City.

 

The face of League 2 looks likely to change considerably in the coming years, and not for the better. We've already seen classic lower league venues like Albion Rovers, Cowdenbeath, and Berwick drop out and be replaced by far more sterile clubs like Spartans and Edinburgh City. EK seem likely to get in some time, and they'll be another one of those clubs. Worryingly, Caledonian Braves seem to be willing to finance close to full-time football to get in soon too. They are another EK, basically.

 

The worry is that this kind of thing will completely change the experience of foing to 3rd/4th tier football. Previously it was an alternative to what top flight football has become; with identikit stadiums, VAR, a consumerist feel.

 

But they type of cashed-up but soul-light club we've seen come in change that experience. Going to watch a game at Edinburgh City or Spartans is a pretty miserable experience. It feels like you're at your local sports centre, not a football match. EK and Caley Braves would both make that worse, and there's a decent chance that in a few years a lot of the attraction of going to watch League 2 has just been lost.

 

The pyramid is a good thing, but the unintended consequences are coming home to roost.

Great post MB

Was talking yesterday and mentioned that I would love to see Linlithgow get there. A decent size town with a genuine following for the club. Obviously, Bo'ness fans will spit feathers at at that .

 

I do get the feeling Bonnyrigg are in a compact Midlothian area where the the likes of neighbouring townsfolk will never support them.

[Cambo_Jambo]

25 minutes ago, michael_bolton said:

 

What does this even mean?

 

In what sense do you think the likes of Dumbarton, Morton, or Stirling Albion have any impact on the Old firm whatsoever?

 

Bizarre stuff.

Simply put, more east coast teams in the league system means more votes that aren't content with the concentration of power in Glasgow for our various football administrative functions.

 

Additionally, because a lot of the clubs that get promoted from the Lowland league tend to be fairly well run (read funded) they aren't as massively dependent on the crumbs falling from the top table and thus less focussed on the central issue that's been the problem for the domestic game for a long time, namely the belief that our only marketable thing is 4 Old Firm games a year and all money derives from that.

 

Granted, I'm not expecting the whole league to change overnight and suddenly there will be a groundswell for league reconstruction but anything that balances out power a little from Glasgow is good for Hearts and ultimately, all of Scottish football.

[michael_bolton]

2 hours ago, Cambo_Jambo said:

Simply put, more east coast teams in the league system means more votes that aren't content with the concentration of power in Glasgow for our various football administrative functions.

 

Additionally, because a lot of the clubs that get promoted from the Lowland league tend to be fairly well run (read funded) they aren't as massively dependent on the crumbs falling from the top table and thus less focussed on the central issue that's been the problem for the domestic game for a long time, namely the belief that our only marketable thing is 4 Old Firm games a year and all money derives from that.

 

Granted, I'm not expecting the whole league to change overnight and suddenly there will be a groundswell for league reconstruction but anything that balances out power a little from Glasgow is good for Hearts and ultimately, all of Scottish football.

 

I don't really see any significance in this whatsoever. It's a classic Kickback trope that all these West Coast teams are somehow in cahoots or complicit in Old firm dominance, but when you try to nail down what it means in reality there is no substance to it.

 

Firstly, in what practical, meaningful way do you think "concentration of power in Glasgow" is due to the power of clubs like Airdrie, Clyde, and Partick Thistle, and how do you think that would meaningfully be changed by them being replaced by the likes of Tranent or Linlithgow? It's one of these tropes that people on Kickback instinctively go for, but it doesn't actually mean anything. It's wild thinking to expect the presence of clubs from east coast towns and villages in the third or fourth tier will have any impact on how many Old Firm games Sky want to broadcast every season.

 

Secondly, you're well off the mark with your financial comment. Bonnyrigg are probably the best-supported of the new SPFL clubs, and they are at about 600-odd. I think Kelty similar. But Kelty basically just financially blitzed their way to League One due to a backer, and there have been rumours about their finances being iffy for at least a year now. Edinburgh City have no support to speak of and nearly went bust last season. Spartans have smaller crowds than the likes of Clyde, despite being a long-established club with a good history and recent success. They're not getting by by being well-run off gate receipts etc.

 

Your use of the phrase "dependent on crumbs falling from the top table" is curious. Do you object to teams in the league getting prize money? Do you propose just not funding the third and fourth tier? How much money do you think these clubs are getting each year? Do you view Hearts' income from the Europa Conference League or from a TV deal which we hardly ever feature on as us receiving "crumbs falling from the top table"?

 

The new clubs coming into the SPFL in the next few years are likely to be vanity projects like East Kilbride and Caley Braves. These are not positive changes. Edinburgh City have not been a positive change. Spartans haven't really made any impact yet and Bonnyrigg Rose have established themselves as perennial relegation candidates and look likely to finish last this season. I'm not sure where your optimism about the new clubs improving our football system somehow comes from.

Edited March 23 by michael_bolton

[Cambo_Jambo]

19 minutes ago, michael_bolton said:

 

I don't really see any significance in this whatsoever. It's a classic Kickback trope that all these West Coast teams are somehow in cahoots or complicit in Old firm dominance, but when you try to nail down what it means in reality there is no substance to it.

 

Firstly, in what practical, meaningful way do you think "concentration of power in Glasgow" is due to the power of clubs like Airdrie, Clyde, and Partick Thistle, and how do you think that would meaningfully be changed by them being replaced by the likes of Tranent or Linlithgow? It's one of these tropes that people on Kickback instinctively go for, but it doesn't actually mean anything. It's wild thinking to expect the presence of clubs from east coast towns and villages in the third or fourth tier will have any impact on how many Old Firm games Sky want to broadcast every season.

 

Secondly, you're well off the mark with your financial comment. Bonnyrigg are probably the best-supported of the new SPFL clubs, and they are at about 600-odd. I think Kelty similar. But Kelty basically just financially blitzed their way to League One due to a backer, and there have been rumours about their finances being iffy for at least a year now. Edinburgh City have no support to speak of and nearly went bust last season. Spartans have smaller crowds than the likes of Clyde, despite being a long-established club with a good history and recent success. They're not getting by by being well-run off gate receipts etc.

 

Your use of the phrase "dependent on crumbs falling from the top table" is curious. Do you object to teams in the league getting prize money? Do you propose just not funding the third and fourth tier? How much money do you think these clubs are getting each year? Do you view Hearts' income from the Europa Conference League or from a TV deal which we hardly ever feature on as us receiving "crumbs falling from the top table"?

 

The new clubs coming into the SPFL in the next few years are likely to be vanity projects like East Kilbride and Caley Braves. These are not positive changes. Edinburgh City have not been a positive change. Spartans haven't really made any impact yet and Bonnyrigg Rose have established themselves as perennial relegation candidates and look likely to finish last this season. I'm not sure where your optimism about the new clubs improving our football system somehow comes from.

Not really sure why you're so angry about this.

 

Cheers.

[Star Lizard]

27 minutes ago, Cambo_Jambo said:

Not really sure why you're so angry about this.

 

Cheers.

Like most folk from out west he will have one of them as his ‘ big team ‘ ………..

 

( tin hat on and running for the bunker )

[Footballfirst]

2 hours ago, michael_bolton said:

The new clubs coming into the SPFL in the next few years are likely to be vanity projects like East Kilbride and Caley Braves. These are not positive changes. Edinburgh City have not been a positive change. Spartans haven't really made any impact yet and Bonnyrigg Rose have established themselves as perennial relegation candidates and look likely to finish last this season. I'm not sure where your optimism about the new clubs improving our football system somehow comes from.

The way you go on, you would think that all these long established SFL/SPFL clubs would become the life and blood of the pyramid leagues should they be relegated.  Only Brechin has got close to regaining their SPFL status (losing the HL/LL playoff to Spartans). The reality is that those clubs have continued on a downward spiral (performance, financial and attendances), once their funding (crumbs from the top table) has dried up, despite the efforts of the SPFL's old boys network providing them with unmerited tournament invites.   

 

There's a possibility that Berwick Rangers will be the first ex SPFL club to drop to tier 6, as they look to keep their noses ahead of an established community side in Gala FR, or the nomadic Broomhill. I'd prefer that Broomhill drops into the WOSFL, but would welcome Clydebank or Musselburgh in their place to strengthen the LL and ultimately see the deadwood in the SPFL replaced over time until there is a realisation that they don't have a right to SPFL status in perpetuity, just because they are long established clubs with iconic stadiums like Central Park or Cliftonhill.

 

 

[michael_bolton]

1 hour ago, Footballfirst said:

The way you go on, you would think that all these long established SFL/SPFL clubs would become the life and blood of the pyramid leagues should they be relegated.  Only Brechin has got close to regaining their SPFL status (losing the HL/LL playoff to Spartans). The reality is that those clubs have continued on a downward spiral (performance, financial and attendances), once their funding (crumbs from the top table) has dried up, despite the efforts of the SPFL's old boys network providing them with unmerited tournament invites.   

 

There's a possibility that Berwick Rangers will be the first ex SPFL club to drop to tier 6, as they look to keep their noses ahead of an established community side in Gala FR, or the nomadic Broomhill. I'd prefer that Broomhill drops into the WOSFL, but would welcome Clydebank or Musselburgh in their place to strengthen the LL and ultimately see the deadwood in the SPFL replaced over time until there is a realisation that they don't have a right to SPFL status in perpetuity, just because they are long established clubs with iconic stadiums like Central Park or Cliftonhill.

 

 

 

I don't really see any relevance in your reply to my post. I'm not saying the new teams don't deserve their places or that poorly-performing clubs should be kept in the league. I'd make relegation automatic.

 

But for those of us who actually watch lower league football regularly the new teams have not provided an improvement in terms of match experience, and the new clubs we're likely to see soon will continue that.

 

I'm not sure if you've ever watched a game at Caley Braves or East Kilbride, but it's a thoroughly depressing experience. These clubs will come to the SPFL with basically no fans and playing in glorified local sports centres. People from the outside looking in think they're well-run and a great addition etc. The reality is different.

 

The pyramid had to come in and I've always thought that. But the carrot of SPFL football has led to a lot of clubs becoming cashed-up vanity projects, and that's not really good for the league. Unintended consequence, sure. But it's reality for people who pay to watch these leagues.

[Footballfirst]

2 minutes ago, michael_bolton said:

 

I don't really see any relevance in your reply to my post. I'm not saying the new teams don't deserve their places or that poorly-performing clubs should be kept in the league. I'd make relegation automatic.

 

But for those of us who actually watch lower league football regularly the new teams have not provided an improvement in terms of match experience, and the new clubs we're likely to see soon will continue that.

 

I'm not sure if you've ever watched a game at Caley Braves or East Kilbride, but it's a thoroughly depressing experience. These clubs will come to the SPFL with basically no fans and playing in glorified local sports centres. People from the outside looking in think they're well-run and a great addition etc. The reality is different.

 

The pyramid had to come in and I've always thought that. But the carrot of SPFL football has led to a lot of clubs becoming cashed-up vanity projects, and that's not really good for the league. Unintended consequence, sure. But it's reality for people who pay to watch these leagues.

I can confirm that I am a regular spectator at all levels of football.  I'm one of those who might fairly be described as a ground-hopper, having visited all grounds in the SPFL, LL, EOS, SOS, Midland and WOS (bar 2). Just this weekend, I've been at the Oriam, Broadwood and Lochgelly.

 

There are good and bad when it comes to grounds old and new. I don't mind those in cages, just as long as they offer decent cover, sightlines, refreshment and toilet facilities.  I've been to Alliance Park at least 3 times and K Park maybe 5 times and can't complain about the venues. EK has an average attendance of around 300, which I suspect would rise in the SPFL.  Braves appear to be using the internet to stream games to a wider audience beyond the 80-100 that typically attend in person.  It's not a model that we are familiar with, but if they get the numbers, then why not.

 

I get your point about clubs without a natural support or catchment area, but it is wrong to deny any new club the right to progress if they have the means to do so.  All clubs have to start somewhere, e.g. some former boys clubs have gone down the route of creating a pathway to an adult side within the pyramid.  Take another example in Livingston, from a "works" amateur side, Ferranti Thistle, rebranding as Meadowbank Thistle, then a relocation as Livingston, without any historical links or support. Would you describe Livingston as a "vanity project"?  

[ƒιѕнρℓαρѕ]

7 hours ago, Tommy Brown said:

Great post MB

Was talking yesterday and mentioned that I would love to see Linlithgow get there. A decent size town with a genuine following for the club. Obviously, Bo'ness fans will spit feathers at at that .

 

I do get the feeling Bonnyrigg are in a compact Midlothian area where the the likes of neighbouring townsfolk will never support them.

 

I'd like to see Linlithgow and Bo'ness get there, a good Scottish rivalry