Highland Pyramid

[Ray Patterson]

3 hours ago, Robert James said:

Aberdeen University FC have floodlights, good facilities, and (prior to covid19 ?), had a secure financial framework.  

The Uni was a Member of the SFA, half a century ago, but they may not be interested in joining the HFL/ pyramid. 

I know one or two people at the Uni, I don't think it's something that is at the forefront of their mind right now. 

[Robert James]

On 22/06/2020 at 16:25, ArabAuslander said:

I know one or two people at the Uni, I don't think it's something that is at the forefront of their mind right now. 

Do your friends have an inside information about the North Juniors joining the Highland pyramid, alongside the NCL.  Rumours are still circulating, that pyramid discussions have continued.

[Ray Patterson]

2 hours ago, Robert James said:

Do your friends have an inside information about the North Juniors joining the Highland pyramid, alongside the NCL.  Rumours are still circulating, that pyramid discussions have continued.

No unfortunately just know one or two of the Abdn Uni players.

[Andy groundhopper]

Would be excellent news to see the North Juniors progress at their own pace to join the pyramid, some clubs possibly won't be interested or be financially unable, would be positive move though - then we'll get the Juniors mustn't die rants on here again. 

[Robert James]

13 hours ago, Andy groundhopper said:

Would be excellent news to see the North Juniors progress at their own pace to join the pyramid, some clubs possibly won't be interested or be financially unable, would be positive move though - then we'll get the Juniors mustn't die rants on here again. 

When are the North Juniors holding their AGM ?

[Robert James]

On 20/05/2020 at 05:35, San Starko Rover said:

Hopefully the NCL does become a feeder to the HL as it really doesn’t matter if the teams are likely to be licensed any time soon but it’s important to have a level that unlicensed teams can start from. Actually surprised the NRJFA aren’t more in favour of joining as at worst it’ll see BoD promoted to stop their dominance of their league. Surely joining the pyramid at least gives teams in the NCL, NRJFA and ERJFA (Tayside) the option to work towards becoming licensed no matter how far down the line and any teams against moving up simply don’t get licensed.

Orkney to become licensed please for an interesting away day in the cup.

The Highland League  has already accepted the North Caledonian League as a pyramid 'feeder' at Tier 6. And there are apparently no problems about rules assimilation between these 2 senior leagues. There is also an in principle agreement, that relegation from the HFL will apply, as and when there would be a licensed champion NCL (or North Juniors) club. 

Discussions have continued with the North Juniors, in relation to having agreed (HFL compliant) rules for the junior clubs, if the North Region Juniors join the pyramid intact.   However there are some NRJFA clubs who are at best, ambivalent about pyramid membership, possibly in the belief that it may be financially risky.  There is also the question about which (north) junior clubs would retain SJFA membership, and continue to enter the Scottish Junior Cup.

Because of the pandemic, progress has been slower than anticipated, and there have also been some rumours that BoD and a few other ambitious junior clubs, could now support an 'independent' North East of Scotland League (as per the WoSL ?), if pyramid agreement can't be reached between the three parties concerned.

Will these issues be resolved in time for 2020/21 ?  Probably not in my view.  Will the HFL and the NCL 'go it alone' for 2020/21, thereby enabling another year for pyramid discussions to continue with the NRJFA. Possibly.

It should be noted that the NRJFA and the NCL clubs are located in separate geographical areas (except Moray juniors, Nairn St Ninians, who have announced to the media, their ambition to progress)., so geographical integrity principles can apply.

 

[MrMartinBlack9]

What with the news about League 2 resuming in October, I’m hoping it won’t be long before the Highland League announce a planned date to start again next season.

[welshbairn]

3 hours ago, Robert James said:

1. The Highland League  has already accepted the North Caledonian League as a pyramid 'feeder' at Tier 6. 

2. Because of the pandemic, progress has been slower than anticipated, and there have also been some rumours that BoD and a few other ambitious junior clubs, could now support an 'independent' North East of Scotland League (as per the WoSL ?), if pyramid agreement can't be reached between the three parties concerned.

3.It should be noted that the NRJFA and the NCL clubs are located in separate geographical areas (except Moray juniors, Nairn St Ninians, who have announced to the media, their ambition to progress)., so geographical integrity principles can apply.

 

1. The Secretary of the HL has only said that they are favourably minded to the idea, there is nothing down on paper afaik.

2. Haven't heard anything about this. Links?

3. Not sure what "geographical integrity principles" apply here, it was just chance the way Inverness City are no longer in the NRJFA for example.

[welshbairn]

2 hours ago, MrMartinBlack9 said:

What with the news about League 2 resuming in October, I’m hoping it won’t be long before the Highland League announce a planned date to start again next season.

Rumours abound that October will be the Highland League's start date too, Covid dependent obviously. We've had no related deaths in the Highlands and Moray for 3 weeks, and only one infection. Ireland have ruled that outdoor events with a maximum of 500 spectators can go ahead later this month. I'm pretty hopeful. The certainty is that the HL's attitude is that if it's not safe for fans, it's not safe for players, their families, or their full time workmates either. So no BCDs.

[Andy groundhopper]

47 minutes ago, welshbairn said:

Rumours abound that October will be the Highland League's start date too, Covid dependent obviously. We've had no related deaths in the Highlands and Moray for 3 weeks, and only one infection. Ireland have ruled that outdoor events with a maximum of 500 spectators can go ahead later this month. I'm pretty hopeful. The certainty is that the HL's attitude is that if it's not safe for fans, it's not safe for players, their families, or their full time workmates either. So no BCDs.

Have said all along that crowds of 500 are completely manageable on the day,with the distancing still in place. Only doubt is when a large number of people suddenly turn up - that's why I mentioned all ticket to be bought before game day. Fingers crossed. Risk over reward eh.

[welshbairn]

39 minutes ago, Andy groundhopper said:

Have said all along that crowds of 500 are completely manageable on the day,with the distancing still in place. Only doubt is when a large number of people suddenly turn up - that's why I mentioned all ticket to be bought before game day. Fingers crossed. Risk over reward eh.

They've got gates that count the number of people going in, so I don't see any need for tickets in the almost unprecedented situation that more than 500 turn up. They can just close the gates. Most HL games would be fine with a 200 limit.

[Cyclizine]

12 minutes ago, welshbairn said:

They can just close the gates. Most HL games would be fine with a 200 limit.

But what about when Buckie bring 20 coachfulls to an away game?

Edited July 3, 2020 by Cyclizine

[Andy groundhopper]

7 minutes ago, Cyclizine said:

But what about when Buckie bring 20 coachfulls to an away game?

WOW that's some away following, unless the coaches are very small of course.  Hopefully  the non league may start around October as well.

[Cyclizine]

6 minutes ago, Andy groundhopper said:

WOW that's some away following, unless the coaches are very small of course.  Hopefully  the non league may start around October as well.

Similar to fans of another green-and-white hooped club from the Glasgow area, Buckie Thistle supporters are renowned for their ability to accurately report attendances.

Edited July 3, 2020 by Cyclizine

[welshbairn]

34 minutes ago, Andy groundhopper said:

WOW that's some away following, unless the coaches are very small of course. 

They're not only small, but pedal driven by pixies.

[Spyro]

3 hours ago, Andy groundhopper said:

WOW that's some away following, unless the coaches are very small of course.  Hopefully  the non league may start around October as well.

[Robert James]

6 hours ago, welshbairn said:

1. The Secretary of the HL has only said that they are favourably minded to the idea, there is nothing down on paper afaik.

2. Haven't heard anything about this. Links?

3. Not sure what "geographical integrity principles" apply here, it was just chance the way Inverness City are no longer in the NRJFA for example.

In response :

1. HFL/NCL discussions have taken place about the 'rules'.   It is true though, that these proposals have not been formally ratified, as it is hoped that the North Juniors will (eventually) agree to join the pyramid, and in doing so, align their rules accordingly. . As you may be aware, Rod Petrie (SFA)  was also consulted (last year), and he apparently  "gave a positive response" about a highland pyramid, involving these leagues/associations

2. Inverness Courier (etc) earlier this year, with quotes from the Secretaries of both the HFL and NCL,

3. Ambitious Inverness City FC transferred to the North Juniors,as a step towards the club's long term goal of obtaining Highland League membership. At the time of the transfer, the North Caledonian League  was at a low point in its  (+) one hundred years existence. Sadly the club overstretched itself, and folded.  The NCL website clearly confirms its geographic area, and clubs like Clach, Lossiemouth and Nairn County, have had/still have North Caledonian Association Membership. These clubs have never been members of the North Juniors Association.   I would therefore assume that geographical integrity principles would (still)  apply, as clubs in both regions, have no desire to play in  the same league, at Tier 6 level, for financial and travelling reasons.

You also queried : "Links" ?  I believe that I was the first to post on the "Expansion NCL P&B" forum, that 3 new clubs were applying to join the NCL, and that Alness Utd were returning for 2020/21.  As far as I can recall, my post pre-dated the media announcement (?) .  More recently I referred to a 5th club applying to join, but later clarified that this will not now happen until 2021/22, given the pandemic situation. 

Edited July 3, 2020 by Robert James

[FairWeatherFan]

7 hours ago, Robert James said:

In response :

1. HFL/NCL discussions have taken place about the 'rules'.   It is true though, that these proposals have not been formally ratified, as it is hoped that the North Juniors will (eventually) agree to join the pyramid, and in doing so, align their rules accordingly. . As you may be aware, Rod Petrie (SFA)  was also consulted (last year), and he apparently  "gave a positive response" about a highland pyramid, involving these leagues/associations

2. Inverness Courier (etc) earlier this year, with quotes from the Secretaries of both the HFL and NCL,

3. Ambitious Inverness City FC transferred to the North Juniors,as a step towards the club's long term goal of obtaining Highland League membership. At the time of the transfer, the North Caledonian League  was at a low point in its  (+) one hundred years existence. Sadly the club overstretched itself, and folded.  The NCL website clearly confirms its geographic area, and clubs like Clach, Lossiemouth and Nairn County, have had/still have North Caledonian Association Membership. These clubs have never been members of the North Juniors Association.   I would therefore assume that geographical integrity principles would (still)  apply, as clubs in both regions, have no desire to play in  the same league, at Tier 6 level, for financial and travelling reasons.

You also queried : "Links" ?  I believe that I was the first to post on the "Expansion NCL P&B" forum, that 3 new clubs were applying to join the NCL, and that Alness Utd were returning for 2020/21.  As far as I can recall, my post pre-dated the media announcement (?) .  More recently I referred to a 5th club applying to join, but later clarified that this will not now happen until 2021/22, given the pandemic situation. 

1. Don't think anyone is doubting one at this point

2. It was probably being queried over the mention of a breakaway NE league with BoD leading the charge. Since BoD could just apply to the Highland League and haven't shown much interest in doing so.

3. Inverness and Lossiemouth have both had Junior sides in the not too distant past. With Nairn still having having there's in St Ninian. Between Lossemouth and Inverness you've also got Forres Thistle, Burghead Thistle and from a Western pov Spey Valley United in the Juniors.

I don't think anyone doubts you've got some NCL insider at this point, its just some of the additional stuff seems like opinion. As for the newsbreak over new clubs applying and Alness return, I heard that first on FitbaNorth back in January as there was the whole Scourie/Kinlochbervie discussion.

[cmontheloknow]

13 hours ago, Andy groundhopper said:

Have said all along that crowds of 500 are completely manageable on the day,with the distancing still in place. Only doubt is when a large number of people suddenly turn up - that's why I mentioned all ticket to be bought before game day. Fingers crossed. Risk over reward eh.

Can toilets be safely opened? Are players being tested? Is Ireland the same country as this?

And most peoiple go to football to socialise with others so the idea of having to stand apart from their pals is a non-starter - who enforces it and are the club, as they are charging cash, liable? 

Edited July 4, 2020 by cmontheloknow

[Cyclizine]

8 hours ago, Robert James said:

clubs like Clach, Lossiemouth and Nairn County, have had/still have North Caledonian Association Membership

I think you're confusing the North Caledonian and North of Scotland FAs. Clach and Nairn have or have had membership of both, but as far as I know, Lossie have never had NCFA membership.