SFA chief Maxwell steps in to get Celtic deal progressed

The Edinburgh News expects the motion for three guest teams to play in the Lowland League next season. 

Last season the two major Glasgow clubs played in the Lowland League for the first time with the initiative judged to have been a success. 

The profile of the league was raised although there was no noticeable uplift in crowds, playing at the home of Airdrie Celtic rarely attracted crowds of more than 1,000 to their matches. 

A repeat was expected this season but once Hearts requested a place the mood changed with a majority of Lowland League clubs voting against three guest clubs. 

Just 14 clubs get to vote in tonight’s secret ballot with the proposal expected to go win a narrow majority. 

Covering the background to the vote the Edinburgh News reports: 

It comes after Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell provided additional assurances at last week’s AGM about the tightening up of rules and regulations on fixture rescheduling, player eligibility and declaring a champion in the season ahead. 

Rangers and Celtic B teams finished second and third behind Bonnyrigg in 2012/22. The SFA has pledged that the member club who finish highest in the table will progress into the pyramid play-offs for a place in League 2. 

There are concerns that a 36-game season and an odd number of teams will cause fixture congestion, but the additional income that Celtic, Hearts and Rangers could bring may tip the balance in favour of accepting the three B teams. The entry fee has been raised from £25,000 to £40,000 per guest club. 

Entry conditions restricted Celtic to using players under 20 years-of-age, in reality Tommy McIntyre was playing an u-18 in most games.