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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Lowland League clubs vote in favour of Celtic, Rangers & Hearts B team inclusion

Scottish Lowland League clubs have voted in favour of including B teams in the division next season.

Celtic, Rangers and Hearts B teams competed in the league this season with a vote held over their inclusion for the 2023/24 season.

And members in the Lowland League have backed the 'Colt' sides returning to the league set up for another year.

Celtic B sit in second in the division - behind winners Spartans - with Rangers B five points behind in third and Hearts B in 13th position.

A short statement on The Park's Motor Group Scottish Lowland League social media account confirming the decision read: "We can confirm that members have voted in favour of including B teams for season 2023/24.

"This vote comes following the Pyramid Review undertaken by the Scottish FA this season."

The vote comes after the Scottish FA invited stakeholders including from the SPFL, League two, the Lowland and Highland Leagues plus the West, South, East, SJFA and North Caledonian League to Hampden for discussions over future changes.

Three proposals were put forward to stakeholders for consideration. The first for an SPFL League Three comprising of Highland and Lowland League sides plus some Premiership B teams.

The second would see an expansion of League Two to 16 teams with the new additions made up of B teams and clubs from the Highland and Lowland League.

The third proposal would see a Conference League - potentially being established separately from the SPFL - created below League Two with B Teams limited to League One.

Lowland League club East Stirlingshire had earlier announced it would vote against the return of B teams over concerns over their inclusion and the "subsequent birth of a conference league".

A club statement read: "East Stirlingshire have tonight, alongside other SLFL clubs, been asked to vote for the inclusion of B teams for season 2023/24.

"Together as a club we will be voting NO. As we look to build a new era for East Stirlingshire we want the foundation to be built on integrity, support and to lead the way on sustainability.

"We as a club believe the proposed inclusion of B teams and the subsequent birth of a conference league, which we feel is being forced upon us, is not in the best interest of Scottish football and only highlights and benefits the might of the big clubs at the expense of the smaller club.

"From small acorns grow great oak trees with which lower league football plays a huge part and should be given the opportunity of building a foundation to stand on their own merit for the future of Scottish football.

"What Scottish football requires is a properly constructed and ventilated pyramid structure that allows all clubs to find their competitive level.

"Talk's cheap, action wins the day."

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