The chairman of the West of Scotland League has warned clubs that their bid to start the new season could be scuppered if they don't strictly adhere to Covid-19 protocols.
Dave McKenna has told Lanarkshire Live Sport that the WOSL and the Lowland League - along with clubs in the south and the east - are targeting an October 10 kick-off for the 2020/21 campaign.
But McKenna, who is also club secretary at Lowland League East Kilbride, has stressed clubs must be able to show they can comply with Scottish Government protocols if they are to kick-off on the provisional date.
He said: "We are in discussions with the SFA about October 10 and it's at the early stages at the minute.
"We are hoping to start on October 10 and that's a date based on what the SFA have said about contact training and arranging friendly games.
"At the end of the day, it's all conditional.
"Discussions right now are mainly about the protocols to be put in place so everyone can be assured that we are doing things safely.
"All clubs need to show that they can stick to the rules. Clubs can't wait for these dates to come around.
"Protocols need to be in place, so that when those dates do come around we can show that people are complying with them."
Scottish football has been rocked by two positive Covid-19 tests at Premiership side Aberdeen, where a total of eight players have been forced to self-isolate.
And last night it was revealed Celtic star Boli Bolingoli broke strict coronavirus rules after travelling to Spain and failing to quarantine himself for 14 days on his return.
The defender played in Celtic's 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock on Sunday and the Hoops have launched an internal investigation, with the Scottish Government warning sport in the country could be paused as a result.
McKenna added: "The issue with our plans to return is that we must make sure all protocols are in place and players don't end up doing what they shouldn't.
"If that happens in any numbers, the whole thing could get pulled."
Clubs in the Lowland and West of Scotland Leagues have already pencilled in friendlies for next month and their planned start date would see them competing just a week before the lower leagues in the SPFL start their 2020/21 campaign on October 17.
The Betfred League Cup, which includes Lowland League champions Kelty Hearts, kicks-off on October 6.
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