The Scottish Lowland League have declared the standings of this season final, awarding the league to Barry Ferguson’s Kelty Hearts. The Fife side have duly accepted the board’s decision to crown them Champions for the 2019/20 season.
The SLFL have also said that they will not be relegating any teams in a show of efficiency from a footballing body. Vale of Leven were bottom and due to be relegated but they have been saved by the statement today.
The statement released this afternoon confirmed Kelty as Champions whilst confirming the placings when matches were postponed due to Coronavirus.
“The board of the SLFL have today decided to end the league competition with immediate effect. The board took into account the points per game average based on the standings at the cessation of football on the 13th March, and as such have declared that Kelty Hearts are this season’s champion Club.
“Furthermore, the board would like to make it clear that it feels that no member club should be disadvantaged by the current health crisis we face, and as such there will be no relegation from the SLFL in season 2019/20. We are aware of the implications for our fellow pyramid leagues, the EoSFL and SoSFL, and will announce contingency plans to cover this in due course.”
Ex-Rangers captain Barry Ferguson will be delighted at achieving some clarity and a shot at promotion despite his former club’s supporters demanding all leagues be declared null and void.
Kelty were 6 points clear of Bonnyrigg Rose in second place, who had a game in hand. However, a supporter of Bonnyrigg hit the nail on the head saying that there were much bigger issues to worry about in the world.
Gutted, but in perspective, there's clubs suffered far more devastating personal losses through the virus. I suspect the @OfficialSLFL had to make a call, to ensure the champions of the league were protected in the @BrechinCityFC v @brorarangers v @KeltyHeartsFC discussion.
— rose radge (@roseradge) April 13, 2020
Kelty Hearts are due to play the winners of the Highland league, Brora Rangers in a play-off to see who gets a shot at SPFL football. However, the pair will wait and see if tomorrow’s SPFL meeting brings any news of reconstruction.
— Kelty Hearts Football Club (@KeltyHeartsFC) April 13, 2020
The Coronavirus has brought widespread uncertainty and panic, the adverse effect on football is being seen at the moment with clubs releasing statements demanding inquiries. Strong leadership is needed and decisive action, like the SLFL have shown.
This model of bold decision making should be adopted in the Scottish Professional Football League as the fallout from the controversial vote rumbles on. The SPFL should invite Kelty and Brora Rangers into the fold from next season and restructure meaning no team is adversely affected by relegation.
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