Scottish football pyramid hits out at SFA for lack of support as Lowland League aims for September restart

New Central Park, home of Kelty Hearts. It is hoped the new Lowland League season could start in late September or early October. Pic: SNS Group Craig Foy

There is "cautious optimism" that the Lowland League could be back up and running by the end of September according to the latest update from the Pyramid Restart Group.

Officials from the Lowland League as well as the East, South and West of Scotland associations who make up the Pyramid Restart Group had their first virtual meeting last week to begin planning for the new season.

In an update sent to clubs yesterday, the group outlined plans to restart training in August with the aim of playing games from late September or early October, subject to government guidelines.

In its communication, the group also hit out at the Scottish FA for the lack of support shown towards the lower leagues throughout the coronavirus crisis, stating: "We have been in discussions and expressed our disappointment at the lack of information and practical support, including finance, for our semi-professional level of the game.

"We have a Zoom meeting with Ian Maxwell on Thursday 9 July. We will keep you posted on the outcome of these discussions.

"In the meantime, all clubs must continue to observe Scottish Government guidelines which means no training or matches can take place until formally advised. To do otherwise would be illegal, contravene a Scottish FA Board directive, not be covered by insurance and could result in disciplinary action, bring bad publicity and result in the restart at semi-professional level being further delayed."

The Pyramid Restart Group added that plans to restart training in August and playing from last Saturday in September or first Saturday in October were “only indicative dates for now,” adding “they will be confirmed or otherwise in line with Scottish Government/ Scottish FA instructions”.

Before the fixture lists are drawn up, clubs will also be asked to complete a facility survey “to inform the schedule and capacity number for spectators, if and when these are allowed at games”. The group added: “We expect the survey to be ready by next weekend.”