Edinburgh clubs will suffer under Juniors reconstruction

Edinburgh United (in red) sayd they will be out of pocket

The East Region Juniors could be set for a shake-up for the 2018/19 season under a proposal put forward by the body running the semi-professional game.

The second-tier Premier League would be disbanded with three regional leagues set-up under the current Super League which would be reduced to 14 teams from 16.

The proposal has been put forward by the East Region management committee based on feedback from clubs, including the cost of travel, the current Premier League, size of the Super League and teams having too short a season,

The plans will be discussed at a committee meeting in Inverkeithing tonight where clubs are likely to vote on the motion. If a 50 per cent majority of clubs vote in favour, the proposal will be tabled at the governing body’s AGM in June.

Newtongrange Star, who currently occupy one of two relegation spots in the Super League, would face at least two seasons in the ‘South League’ should they be relegated this season, with no promotion on offer from either of the three regional leagues next season if the proposal is pushed through. The bottom two of the Super League would be relegated next season and placed into either a ‘North’, ‘Central’ or ‘South’ League at the discretion of ERSJFA.

Despite the likelihood of Star facing the prospect of being outwith the top flight for two seasons, the club is in favour of the plans put forward.

“The club is going to accept the proposal, however we are not happy that there will be no promotion possibility next season,” said secretary Joe Wilson.