Highland League disappointed with recommendations to scrap play-offs that could deny Brora Rangers promotion
THE HIGHLAND League are disappointed with SPFL recommendations to cancel the play-offs which would deny champions Brora Rangers the chance of promotion.
The SPFL has recommended ending the 2020/21 season for the Championship, League One and League Two with league standings being determined on a points per game basis.
The recommendations include cancelling all play-offs this season which would deny Brora Rangers the chance of promotion to the SPFL leagues.
However, the SPFL says it is committed to consulting with clubs over possible league reconstruction.
All 42 SPFL clubs have until 5pm tomorrow to vote on the recommendations with the result expected to be announced next week.
A statement released by the Highland League says it is disappointed with the recommendations.
It said: “It almost goes without saying that the SPFL is faced with a nigh impossible task in seeking to fully satisfy all the issues currently faced by football clubs and football organisations. “Adoption of the proposals brought forward today is indeed for SPFL member clubs to determine and the SHFL does not seek to offer a view on how SPFL clubs should vote.
“There is, however, significant disappointment that the proposals include cancellation of the play-offs, an integral part of the Scottish Football Pyramid.
" The Highland League’s continued and acknowledged contribution to the development of the Scottish football pyramid would appear to be set aside in the search for a solution to the conundrums facing the SPFL. This is disappointing.
“When the Highland League unanimously declared Brora Rangers the 2019-20 Highland League Champions, it also decided to offer continued support for the champion club to be given the opportunity to progress up the Pyramid.
“The proposal to deny Brora Rangers that opportunity for progression is disappointing and, doubtless, there will be similar feelings among members of the Lowland League.”
But the Highland League also said it was encouraged that the SPFL would be prepared to consider league reconstruction which could see Brora Rangers promoted.
“Notwithstanding the recommended cancellation of play-offs, the Highland League does acknowledge that the SPFL proposal carries a reference to some form of restructuring for season 2020-21.
“That might offer the champion club of both Highland and Lowland Leagues some comfort and a route for progression.
“Be it some form of play-off or some form of restructuring which allows for a small increase in SPFL membership, the credibility of the Scottish Football Pyramid can but be enhanced by some imaginative decision-making and the Highland League stands ready to take part in that process.”
