Nine newcomers to East of Scotland League are approved

The nine applications for membership were all approved yesterday (Thursday) at a meeting of the member clubs, who had the overall say on who was admitted.

The newcomers were accepted, with signifcant voting majorities in each case, and the next issue will be to see where they fit within the East of Scotland League structure.

Joining the league are Edinburgh South, along with Fife outfits Kennoway Star Hearts, Kirkcaldy & Dysart, Lochgelly Albert, Lochore Welfare, Luncarty, Newburgh, Rosyth and Thornton Hibs.

Berwickshire side Eyemouth United, who took a year out to rebuild their squad during a non-playing season, will also be returning to the East of Scotland fold in the new season.

League secretary David Baxter said all plans were on hold at the moment, with the suspension of football around the country still in force because of the COVID-19 crisis, so any provisional arrangements for receiving the clubs into the league would probably have to be reassessed.

The new teams would enter the Conference structure, which was flexible, so it may be that a new one was created, or they could be absorbed into the existing ‘A’ and ‘B’ Conferences.

Nothing could be certain until the go-ahead was given to start organising and playing football again, added Mr Baxter.