Linlithgow Rose miss out on SPFL play-offs as Lowland League champions fall foul of licencing issue
Linlithgow Rose were aiming to reach the SPFL this season after winning the Lowland League.
Linlithgow Rose will not get the chance to contest the League Two play-offs this season due to licencing problems.
The West Lothian side defeated Bonnyrigg Rose 2-1 on Saturday and were crowned Lowland League champions after a close-run battle for the title. Usual circumstances are that they’d face Highland League winners, Brora Rangers, for a chance to face League Two’s bottom club. Win that final and a place in the SPFL would be in hand but Brora have in essence been handed a bye to take on Edinburgh City later in May
Rose and Brora were scheduled to collide next Saturday at Prestonfield in the first leg of the play-off semi-final with the second leg at Dudgeon Park on May 2nd. It’s been decided by SPFL chiefs though that Rose do not meet the requirements for a bronze licence. Similar happened in 2024, after Highland League champions Buckie Thistle lacked the required licence, and Lowland champions East Kilbride progressed to the final.
Why have Linlithgow Rose been denied an SPFL licence?
A statement from Linlithgow Rose reads: “Unfortunately, our application for a period of grace to fulfil the required criteria for our SFA Bronze Licence was declined by the SPFL Board. On this basis we are not eligible to participate in the Pyramid Play-Off Competition. We are taking the necessary steps to enable the Club to be considered for an SFA Bronze Licence at its next annual assessment.”
Manager Gordon Herd said after Saturday’s win over Bonnyrigg: “At half-time I wasn’t feeling too good. Credit to they guys, they battled really hard, the surface wasn’t the greatest and wasn’t in our favour. I think they showed their battling qualities and once we got the equaliser we had the feeling we would go on and win the game.
“Then when we got the second and we have controlled large parts of the game. It’s been a long season but I don’t think anyone can argue that we are the best team in the Lowland League. To come here and get the three points we needed is testament to the guys, outstanding, and we’ll enjoy our night.”
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly