Just looking at the reserve fixtures we have games against Gretna, Queens Park and Queen of the South and thats it. I know times are hard but surely there are more clubs in the SFL have a second string? Surely its in every club's interest to have regular games for their boys. Most of Morton's are young lads on skill seekers level and there are even some amateurs. Surely its not that expensive to run?

I notice a few teams appear to have under 19 teams rather than reserves. Are they allowed one or two older players in these teams? Otherwise how do fringe players get matches?

We don't have fringe players! A reserve team would just mean double games for the Under 19s.

So what happens to the guys on the bench who do not otherwise get a regular game?

We don't have an "official" reserve team, but arrange friendlies to keep fringe players fit and try out youths etc. There's benefits as friendlies aren't governed by the same rules re: trialists etc.

What he said

Alloa have underage teams all the way up to under 19 but no reserve team. If fringe players need a run out or guys are returning from injury and need games then midweek friendly matches against junior sides etc are arranged.

Edited to add...just the same as Peterhead and Stirling clearly do as well!

We ditched our reserve team during the summer and seem to just arrange closed doors games to keep the fringe players getting a game. Can see the logic in it but it's just another factor in the decline of the game that pretty much goes unnoticed as far as I'm concerned.

Brechin usually have a number of closed-door friendlies over the course of the season.

EDITED TO ADD: I miss the times when you could go and watch your team's reserve matches with another 9 folk. It's a shame it's gone, as there's nothing better than free football.

I was at Cappielow on Monday night along another 150-200. Its supposed to be £2 entry but I don't think anyone pays, they just walk in. Its a different atmospher. You hear what the players are saying and what the managers are shouting and its good to see the boys who may or may not be the future of the club.

I think its a shame that it is all declining.

PS: Whats the point of closed door friendlies. Why not let people know they are on and let the fans who want to attend.

For the most part, our reserve games are open to the public

Stewarding costs.

You could maybe get some volunteers.

All our stewards are volunteers.

Do you need to have stewards for reserve games?

I used to love going to Reserve games but given the amount the SFA Charge for teams to get into it i have to say it just isn't worth most clubs doing it anymore.

Ayr arrange friendlies for our "fringe" players to get a game.

It used to be great when Reserve League West was full of teams and you got Rangers and Celtic arriving at your ground only for a returning Ally McCoist to be upstaged by someone like Jimmy Carse in a 4-2 thrashing of the Old Firm lot.

Ahhh - the real reason why reserve team leagues are dying a death?

Or is it just another SPL-style money-grabbing scenario?

Whatever, I miss going to reserve matches too. Can't help but feel the clubs and their league organisers are missing a trick here.

McKellar and Gilbride play for Large Thistle as well, surely other teams could do a similar thing with their youth players.