Born To Run

It’s not Fauldhouse. The two additional sides are amateur clubs in the West geographical area. (Assuming that all 63 West Region sides are applicants)

It's two more amateur sides, yup. Won't say who as it's their place to announce should they wish. We'll see if they meet the requirements for approval...

Spot on, as is @glensmad. The reason I've praised Gordon Ronney is the fact that he was willing to make things work by commiting to changes. He, unlike TJ and the SJFA, was able to get things over the line without splits and/or unnecessary arguments.

I’ve held my tongue for a while on this thread, but it’s probably worth making a few things clear. I was in attendance at the initial WoS meeting, and what has happened since (including the conference meeting yesterday) is exactly what was intended. Good faith on both sides. I have no idea why some continue to have a go at the WRSJFA. The WoS will be a members-run group series of leagues like their counterparts in the East. Using a conference arrangement means that we have a fair playing field to start with teams (ex-Junior and other) finding their level. Clubs choosing to retain SJFA membership is not an issue. They’ll act in the same manner as the Fife FA etc in practice. There is no “hostile takeover” to worry about - indeed, the SJFA have had to commit to changes allowing the West Region sides to play in the Junior Cup (around scheduling mainly). In order to facilitate this proposal, the West Region put through the necessary changes in the time between both meetings. Gordon Ronney has been pragmatic in reaching this conclusion, and then kept his promises. In my view, it’s a great compromise. We should be happy that the biggest pyramid logjam is finally going to be cleared, leaving the easier issues in the North and East to sort. There is a bigger issue coming Pyramid-wise to focus on regardless. Let’s just say people wouldn’t be impressed with the SFA view on where their League 2 side should go if relegated...

Wouldn't call myself a journo, but I will be writing another article on the whole process (talks, new structure etc) to come out next weekend most likely. I'm also chasing up a strong rumour with regards the Tayside question...

For the avoidance of doubt, any league in the pyramid will follow the SFA disciplinary rules on and off the field. There will be no fines, permits etc.

The whole room was positive - surprisingly so. Tweeted about it earlier to agreement from Junior and Senior figures! @Inanimate Carbon Rod I don’t think anything I can say will change your mind in that case. Proof will be in the pudding as they say...

Further clarifications: - Any concern that this is a “ruse” can be dispelled. There is genuine will on all sides to get this done. - We are talking purely about the WRSJFA. The North and East are not part of this scenario.

It’s not really my place to give out info on this while it isn’t signed off as yet. The WoSFL (LL) one went for around two hours. What I will say is that reaction from all sides was cautiously optimistic on the basis of potential agreement. Reading some unfounded fears in here.

Yup, two meetings. Thought it was best to add clarity! There will be further info coming after the next meeting (PWG).

So, for clarity: - There was a PWG meeting before last night’s WoSFL meeting. Common ground was found. - All being well, we may not need applications from the West Region sides.

It’s not really a case of one side “winning”. Still expecting a statement today/tomorrow.

There will likely be a statement tomorrow. I feel more positive than I ever have about the future of the Lowland region.

There have been talks. The North Caledonian League is ready and willing to sit at tier 6, but would need either the North Superleague or a new Grampian league sitting alongside them.

I love Blastie’s naivety, expecting opinions and assumptions on here to be fully referenced I’m going to keep my council until the outcome of tomorrow’s meeting. Will be writing another piece this weekend with input from both sides. ...oh, and @gogsy - think we’ll be fine for a few years yet after our cup run. Don’t expect BSC to disappear downwards anytime soon.

At the risk of swimming against the tide... Im pleasantly surprised with the West Region’s overall suggestions. There is an air of compromise and understanding in there which was lacking from the SJFA in the PWG phase of negotiations. It may prove to be too late, but some people aren’t really considering the gravity of this alternative plan. Voluntarily ceding control of the Premiership would be a huge step.

Ah - there’s the explanation for the vague legal threats made earlier. Thats a very flimsy case in my opinion. You’re asking clubs who have waited for years “in good faith” to keep waiting and trusting in the association, which has failed to deliver when opportunities have been presented. Enough sides will commit to form the WoSFL. The plan of “starving” it of applicant clubs will fail.

Exactly my point, yeah. It would be impossible to back up.

I suspect the Tier 5 line is a troll. If that turns out to be legit...then I'll be speechless. They'd be mad to try that after the "done deal" at tier 6 chat, surely?

It only takes 24 hours without an official update for everything to go tonto in here, eh? We’ll finally get answers and (hopefully) clarity by the weekend. Till then I think I’ll stay quiet. Interested to see if the WRSJFA publish their plans post-Tuesday though, as the LL will do.

So, back on topic... Think I’m right in saying the SJFA meeting is on Tuesday, followed by the LL evening on Thursday. We should finally get some answers and resolution from the coming weekend.

I don’t think we’ll get a gauge on how things lie until the WoSFL information meeting. The atmosphere in the room and attitudes of those in attendance will be telling. My prediction of 20-30 sides moving from the West Region still stands - the same arguments were used when the exodus to the EoS happened, I haven’t heard anything different as yet.

Nope. The Lowland committed to keeping all applicants/interested parties confidential.

Let me put it another way then. As you say, nothing is guaranteed until it happens. However: - By rules, the Lowland/EoS led West League would automatically join the pyramid at tier 6 and feed into tier 5 - By rules, the WRSJFA led West League would require more negotiation and agreements in order to join the pyramid at tier 6 and feed into tier 5 One is infinitely easier than the other to achieve.