Dalbeattie Star will be up against Old Firm youngsters in the new season.
Officials of Lowland League clubs have agreed to push on with controversial proposals to let Colts teams from Celtic and Rangers compete in the division for one year only.
Star had voted against the plans last month while the South, East and West Leagues released a joint statement saying the plans had “no sporting integrity”.
But now the move is going ahead, Islecroft gaffer Ritchie Maxwell believes there are some plus points about the idea.
He said: “There are positives and negatives to it. Obviously Dalbeattie as a club voted against the proposal, I think we just wanted a wee bit more time and information but we voted against it as it currently stands.
“I think from a players and management point of view it’s a good opportunity. We’ll be playing against Old Firm teams so we will be up against what are supposed to be some of the best young players in the country.
“We should also be up against coaches who have been through the system and should have their UEFA A and B licences and hopefully it will bring in crowds.
“So from a manager and player position I personally think it’s a good thing but I understand the club voted against it. It’s been voted through now and that’s how things go in a democratic society.”
One team Star won’t be going up against next season is Brechin City. The Glebe Park side were relegated from the SPFL after losing a play-off with Lowland League champions Kelty Hearts.
Geographically, Brechin should have gone into the Highland League but tried to enter the Lowland League, claiming the travel would have been less onerous on their players.
However, that bid has been knocked back.
Maxwell added: “It’s a difficult one. There are boundaries in place which is the River Tay and Brechin sit north of that so they should be playing in the Highland League.
“They brought forward a proposal but it was voted against. They may come back with something else in the next few weeks but, as it stands, we’re preparing to play in an 18-team league with the two Colts teams.”
With the off-the-park wrangling seemingly over, the focus can finally get back to on the pitch matters.
Saturday is set to see Star begin pre-season training as they gear up for the Lowland League kick-off on July 17.
Maxwell said: “We had thought about bringing boys back earlier but we decided just to keep it at six weeks. The boys will hopefully have been keeping fit and keeping themselves in decent shape in this period with no football.
“We have friendlies arranged and we are just waiting on confirmation from the SFA in terms of referees.
“We should have a few junior sides for friendlies and hopefully we can start publicising them next week.
“It’s looking like it will be similar to other close seasons and we’ll probably lose one or two players for different reasons.
“We’re hoping to run with a squad of 16 or 17 so we’d like to sign a couple then look to bring in a few on loan from league clubs.”
