Highland League president supports potential changes to lower league structure
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The landscape of Scottish football may be on the verge of significant change as discussions surrounding the restructuring of tier five gain momentum. The Highland League president, Sandy Sinclair, has expressed his support for the proposed alterations, which aim to enhance the organization of lower league football in Scotland.
Understanding the proposed changes
According to reports from the Press and Journal, the restructuring plan would consolidate the Highland League and the Lowland League into a more cohesive framework. Under the new proposal, tier five would include the Highland League, Lowland League East, and Lowland League West, diverging from the current model that only encompasses the Highland and Lowland Leagues.
This restructuring would also introduce a hierarchy of leagues below the Highland League, with the North Region Juniors and North Caledonian League positioned beneath it. Similarly, the Midlands League and East of Scotland League would fall under the Lowland League East, while the West of Scotland League and South of Scotland League would be categorized under the Lowland League West.
Benefits of the new structure
Sinclair believes that the proposed changes warrant serious consideration, citing potential benefits for clubs involved. He noted that the geographical distribution and population spread in Scottish football could be better represented through this new structure. Sinclair stated, “It’s a very interesting proposal which certainly merits consideration. There are benefits to it, and it will be interesting to see how things progress.”
One of the clubs that could be significantly affected by this restructuring is Brechin City, which currently competes in the Highland League. If the proposal is implemented, Brechin City would transition to the Lowland League East. Glebe Park chairman Kevin Mackie has acknowledged the financial implications of this move, emphasizing that it could lead to substantial savings on travel costs.
Financial implications for clubs
Mackie highlighted that the current annual travel expenses for Brechin City exceed £40,000. With the proposed changes, he estimates that the club could save nearly £30,000 each year. “If the proposal was to go ahead, for a lot of the away games we wouldn’t need a bus because of where our players are based,” he explained. This financial relief could allow clubs to allocate resources to other essential areas, enhancing their overall operational capacity.
While Mackie expressed his fondness for the Highland League, he acknowledged the challenges posed by long travel distances. “We love being in the Highland League; however, the travelling distances do pose a problem. But from a football point of view, I think this makes sense,” he concluded.
Looking ahead
The proposed restructuring of tier five in Scottish football is still in its early stages, but it has already sparked considerable discussion among clubs and officials. As stakeholders weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks, the future of Scottish football’s lower leagues hangs in the balance. The outcome of these discussions could reshape the competitive landscape, making it more sustainable and accessible for clubs across the region.
