SJFA float idea of fifth tier to sit alongside Highland and Lowland Leagues

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Clubs are set to vote on a proposal for a fifth tier of the Scottish football pyramid, sitting alongside the Highland and Lowland Leagues.The new Central League would sit under the SPFL, but would give clubs in the West and East of Scotland Leagues a clearer pathway.Perhaps crucially, it would also allow more Premiership 'B' teams to enter the pyramid, with Celtic, Rangers and Hearts already in the Lowland League this season.As it stands, only one club from the West, East and South of Scotland Leagues can earn promotion to the Lowland League, and face a three-way round robin play-off for just one spot.

According to a report in the Daily Record, a paper has been submitted to more than 100 Scottish Junior Football Association member clubs, which includes Rutherglen Glencairn.

It is also set to be sent to the Pyramid Working Group, which includes SFA chief Ian Maxwell.SJFA chief operating officer Alex McDowall has drawn up the plan, and his letter to clubs reads: "The SJFA recently submitted a proposal to the SFA Non-Professional Game Board, as well as the Pyramid Working Group, regarding a Central League at tier five."We believe that the timing is right, and would be to the benefit of our members and licensed clubs within the zone."When the Highland and more recently the Lowland Leagues were formed, there were very few clubs below tier five committed to the pyramid."As time has passed, more clubs are becoming licensed as their ambitions grow to progress through the league pyramid."Promotion to the tier five leagues is restrictive through the current avenues.

We believe the timing is now right to look for additional opportunities for licensed clubs in central Scotland to achieve their aspirations."A fuller proposal will now