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Highland Pyramid


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22 minutes ago, FairWeatherFan said:

At least we know it's officially 'Midlands' :)

Do we expect the following  teams to be there?

ARBROATH VICTORIA

BLAIRGOWRIE
BRECHIN VICTORIA
BROUGHTY ATHLETIC
CARNOUSTIE PANMURE
COUPER ANGUS
DOWNFIELD
DUNDEE NORTH END
DUNDEE VIOLET
EAST CRAIGIE
FORFAR UNITED
FORFAR WEST END
KIRRIEMUIR THISTLE
LOCHEE HARP
LOCHEE UNITED
SCONE THISTLE
TAYPORT
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2 minutes ago, Honestman1954 said:

Do we expect the following  teams to be there?

ARBROATH VICTORIA

BLAIRGOWRIE
BRECHIN VICTORIA
BROUGHTY ATHLETIC
CARNOUSTIE PANMURE
COUPER ANGUS
DOWNFIELD
DUNDEE NORTH END
DUNDEE VIOLET
EAST CRAIGIE
FORFAR UNITED
FORFAR WEST END
KIRRIEMUIR THISTLE
LOCHEE HARP
LOCHEE UNITED
SCONE THISTLE
TAYPORT

Those teams plus Letham and Dundee St James to give them a total of 19.

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3 hours ago, welshbairn said:

It's been a bit ad hoc till now, the pyramid is just finding its shape. When Cove Rangers were promoted Banks o Dee were invited in, but refused. Brechin City are the first SPFL side to be demoted. The numbers in the Highland League are flexible, Brechin will make it a nice round 18.

Sorry, I meant going forward. For example the Lowland League always keeps its membership at 16 by relegating anywhere from 0-2 clubs, depending on whether it gains or loses a club from the SPFL. 

But because the Highland League is giving its last placed club a play-off spot instead of straight relegation, and presumably that play-off will take place before the SPFL play-off is concluded, then the Highland League can't use the Lowland League technique to keep its size of membership stable. So either the league implements a very creative rule or it just accepts that its membership could change year-to-year, which seems odd for a league that has feeders.

Edited by Yalay
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4 minutes ago, Yalay said:

Sorry, I meant going forward. For example the Lowland League always keeps its membership at 16 by relegating anywhere from 0-2 clubs, depending on whether it gains or loses a club from the SPFL. 

But because the Highland League is giving its last placed club a play-off spot instead of straight relegation, and presumably that play-off will take place before the SPFL play-off is concluded, then the Highland League can't use the Lowland League technique to keep its size of membership stable. So either the league implements a very creative rule or it just accepts that its membership could chance year-to-year, which seems odd for a league that has feeders.

Nobody knows at this point in time, except those within the leagues.

People online were expecting them to mimic the LL Play-off format, only to  find out it would have the relegation play-off for the bottom HL side. Which still has some wondering how that will work from a scheduling standpoint.

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8 minutes ago, Yalay said:

Sorry, I meant going forward. For example the Lowland League always keeps its membership at 16 by relegating anywhere from 0-2 clubs, depending on whether it gains or loses a club from the SPFL. 

But because the Highland League is giving its last placed club a play-off spot instead of straight relegation, and presumably that play-off will take place before the SPFL play-off is concluded, then the Highland League can't use the Lowland League technique to keep its size of membership stable. So either the league implements a very creative rule or it just accepts that its membership could chance year-to-year, which seems odd for a league that has feeders.

I think the Northern section will have to retain its flexibility for a while, until there are more licensed clubs in tier 6 with floodlights etc. I expect in a few years there will be, and a more rigid system can be set up. At the moment the Highland League could function ok from anywhere from 16 to 20, which I've heard is their upper limit.

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1 hour ago, Yalay said:

But because the Highland League is giving its last placed club a play-off spot instead of straight relegation, and presumably that play-off will take place before the SPFL play-off is concluded

The HL has continued to play games at the end of April / beginning of May involving clubs outside of the title race. The L2 play-off final is 7/14 May this season so it's likely that will be concluded around the same time or before the HL play-off is completed.

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From Today's Inverness Courier:

www.inverness-courier.co.uk/sport/relegation-dawns-for-highland-league-clubs-as-tier-six-set-f-242664/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

Relegation dawns for Highland League clubs as tier six north set for next season


 By Alasdair Fraser 
 
 Published: 08:00, 25 June 2021
RELEGATION play-offs will be introduced in the Highland League for the first time next season after talks with three ‘tier six north’ associations concluded successfully.

The historic change, now set to be officially ratified by the SFA’s pyramid working group, will open the dreaded trapdoor to Highland clubs for the first time in the league’s 128-year existence.

The plan was unveiled in April this year, but the HFL has since presided over intensive talks to reach agreement with the North Caledonian FA and the Scottish Junior Football Association’s north and east regions.

The green light means title-winning clubs from the North Caledonian League, the North Junior Super League and the Midlands League – covering Tayside outfits – will play off next season for the right to face the bottom HFL side.

Even if successful, only clubs able to fulfil full SFA licensing and membership requirements would be permitted to make the step up into the HFL. Currently, only Golspie Sutherland and Banks O’Dee satisfy that criteria.

Confirming that talks had finally concluded, HFL secretary Rod Houston said: “It is all sorted and ready to go. The three tier six groups are all on board and the pyramid working group is now due to meet in the near future and that will put the final seal on it, but it’s all done. It was just a case of making sure we had the regulatory framework in place. It was all very straightforward.

“It creates a natural progression from tier six to five, although it is quite a big jump in that you have to become a licensed club.

“That’s a condition of membership of the Highland League. That takes a lot of work, but if a club has ambitions they now have an avenue through which to realise those ambitions. It is about providing opportunity.”

Full licensing covers ground facilities, coaching qualifications, player considerations and other matters of club governance.

In the Lowland League area, there is already a clear pathway upwards from tier eight.

The inclusion of the North Super League – featuring mostly Aberdeenshire juniors and Nairn St Ninian – creates a north pathway from tier eight.

Houston felt there was broad acceptance within HFL circles that change was necessary adding: “I’m sure clubs traditionally at the lower end of the league will carry some concerns, but they have a playing opportunity to deal with it. There is no automatic relegation.”

 

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Do we expect the following  teams to be there?
ARBROATH VICTORIA
BLAIRGOWRIE
BRECHIN VICTORIA
BROUGHTY ATHLETIC
CARNOUSTIE PANMURE
COUPER ANGUS
DOWNFIELD
DUNDEE NORTH END
DUNDEE VIOLET
EAST CRAIGIE
FORFAR UNITED
FORFAR WEST END
KIRRIEMUIR THISTLE
LOCHEE HARP
LOCHEE UNITED
SCONE THISTLE
TAYPORT

Menzieshill not supposed to be joining as well?
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20 hours ago, Ginaro said:

The HL has continued to play games at the end of April / beginning of May involving clubs outside of the title race. The L2 play-off final is 7/14 May this season so it's likely that will be concluded around the same time or before the HL play-off is completed.

Well then here's one strategy the league could use to maintain a constant membership. With this the league could always have the tier 6 play-off winner play the 18th place club from the HL even before the SPFL play-offs are concluded, and then go from there in determining the final membership for next season, with tier 6 clubs always having a chance at promotion and HL clubs always having to lose a play-off before being relegated.

Scenario 1: No club gained or lost from/to SPFL

Winner of tier 6 play-off vs HL18 gets spot in HL, as expected.

Scenario 2: Club lost to SPFL

Tier 6 play-off champion vs HL18 cancelled, and both clubs get spots in the HL next year. Or if the tie has to be played for timing reasons, then the result is just ignored.

Scenario 3: Club gained from SPFL

Winner of tier 6 play-off plays HL18, and the winner of that plays HL17. The winner of the second tie gets the last spot in next season's HL.

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18 hours ago, Yalay said:

Well then here's one strategy the league could use to maintain a constant membership. With this the league could always have the tier 6 play-off winner play the 18th place club from the HL even before the SPFL play-offs are concluded, and then go from there in determining the final membership for next season, with tier 6 clubs always having a chance at promotion and HL clubs always having to lose a play-off before being relegated.

Scenario 1: No club gained or lost from/to SPFL

Winner of tier 6 play-off vs HL18 gets spot in HL, as expected.

Scenario 2: Club lost to SPFL

Tier 6 play-off champion vs HL18 cancelled, and both clubs get spots in the HL next year. Or if the tie has to be played for timing reasons, then the result is just ignored.

Scenario 3: Club gained from SPFL

Winner of tier 6 play-off plays HL18, and the winner of that plays HL17. The winner of the second tie gets the last spot in next season's HL.

 

Good scenarios, which could be applied in the Highland Pyramid for 2021/22.  Things may need to change over 3+ years, as more clubs gain a licence .

I understand that there will be a representative of each of the 3 Highland feeder leagues, on an updated pyramid 'committee'. Its' ongoing remit will be interesting.

 

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On 25/06/2021 at 10:54, Dev said:

From Today's Inverness Courier:

www.inverness-courier.co.uk/sport/relegation-dawns-for-highland-league-clubs-as-tier-six-set-f-242664/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

Relegation dawns for Highland League clubs as tier six north set for next season


 By Alasdair Fraser 
 
 Published: 08:00, 25 June 2021
RELEGATION play-offs will be introduced in the Highland League for the first time next season after talks with three ‘tier six north’ associations concluded successfully.

The historic change, now set to be officially ratified by the SFA’s pyramid working group, will open the dreaded trapdoor to Highland clubs for the first time in the league’s 128-year existence.

The plan was unveiled in April this year, but the HFL has since presided over intensive talks to reach agreement with the North Caledonian FA and the Scottish Junior Football Association’s north and east regions.

The green light means title-winning clubs from the North Caledonian League, the North Junior Super League and the Midlands League – covering Tayside outfits – will play off next season for the right to face the bottom HFL side.

Even if successful, only clubs able to fulfil full SFA licensing and membership requirements would be permitted to make the step up into the HFL. Currently, only Golspie Sutherland and Banks O’Dee satisfy that criteria.

Confirming that talks had finally concluded, HFL secretary Rod Houston said: “It is all sorted and ready to go. The three tier six groups are all on board and the pyramid working group is now due to meet in the near future and that will put the final seal on it, but it’s all done. It was just a case of making sure we had the regulatory framework in place. It was all very straightforward.

 

 

Each of the 3 leagues have incorporated the required rule changes, into their individual "Constitutions"., for ratification by the SFA.  As HFL Secretary Rod Houston states above, "it is all sorted and ready to go.....It was all very straightforward.""          Which is very good news, as the pyramid will now cover both the Lowland and the Highland regions.                                          The NCL clubs for next season are :

ALNESS UNITED

BONAR BRIDGE

GOLSPIE SUTHERLAND

HALKIRK UNITED

INVERGORDON

INVERNESS ATHLETIC

LOCH NESS

NAIRN COUNTY "A"

ORKNEY

SCOURIE

ST DUTHUS

THURSO
****

BUNILLIDH THISTLE  - are taking another year out, but have retained their NCL Membership

LEWIS & HARRIS FC -  may enter one or two of the North Caley Cup competitions in 2021/22, as they have done, pre-pandemic. 

 

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Looks like the North Region had their AGM yesterday. Not a lot of news so far other than Buckie Rovers sitting out again. Also, fixtures have been released but i've only seen Newmachar United publish their own so far.

With Buckie Rovers and Spey Valley United out the set up should be 14-8-9.

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The Press & Journal has published an article (25/7/21)   "Shooting for the HFL"  which identifies 4 NCL clubs as being interested in becoming licensed and reaching the Highland League.

They are St Duthus, Orkney, and Alness Utd; in addition to Golspie, after talking to club representatives. 

The P & J says it will report further about the other NCL clubs.

Edited by Robert James
typo
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2 hours ago, bluearmyfaction said:

Yet again a big club uses its massive economic influence to force in its Colt side.

Yep,  "massive economic influence"

Colts ('New Firm') Pyramid Cup Final (2022) :

Nairn County  v Stranraer (venue  rebuilt Lesser Hampden)

NCL  v  SoSL  (do these matches get any bigger ?)

                                                                                                    LOL from Jamie.

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5 hours ago, Robert James said:

The Press & Journal has published an article (25/7/21)   "Shooting for the HFL"  which identifies 4 NCL clubs as being interested in becoming licensed and reaching the Highland League.

They are St Duthus, Orkney, and Alness Utd; in addition to Golspie, after talking to club representatives. 

The P & J says it will report further about the other NCL clubs.

I've been to St. Duthus, it is a tidy wee ground, but a lot of work needs to be done. The ground can easily be enclosed, but there is no cover/floodlights, there are no toilets and changing rooms are on the other side of the road. I'd love to see them going for licensing, but I imagine it will take quite some time.

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15 hours ago, Marten said:

I've been to St. Duthus, it is a tidy wee ground, but a lot of work needs to be done. The ground can easily be enclosed, but there is no cover/floodlights, there are no toilets and changing rooms are on the other side of the road. I'd love to see them going for licensing, but I imagine it will take quite some time.

Yes, St Duthus are ambitious, as are Alness Utd, and Orkney, but only Golspie Sutherland are currently licensed, as previously reported in the P&J.

In the second of Paul Chalks' Press & Journal article about promotion to the HFL for the other NCL clubs, he reports that Invergordon are interested in reaching the play-offs, whereas Thurso have had drainage problems at Sir George's Park, and the club would need a huge cash injection to reach HFL standard, at the present time. 

Halkirk United have a young/developing team, and are not considering the HFL at present, whilst Inverness Athletic and Loch Ness are relatively new NCL clubs. and the absence of a suitable ground in Inverness rules out promotion in the foreseeable future. for either club, as  "It is a pipe dream" at present,

Bonar Bridge and Scourie, are both strengthening for 2021/22, but they  recognise that they don't have the infrastructure in place, and the HFL is therefore out of reach for them. However, all of the above clubs support the North Caley League entering the pyramid at Tier 6, for season 2021/22.

As a reserve side, Nairn County "A" aren't eligible to enter the HFL, and Bunillidlh Thistle have taken a second year out from the NCL, owing to Covid, and (apparently) the need for some ground repairs.

 

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