With season 2018/19 drawing to a close, and confirmation of both our Premier League spot and Scottish Cup entry, here are a few details to contemplate during the close season.
As things stand – and many of you will be aware of the situation surrounding Bonnyrigg Rose’s situation – this will be how the new 16 team EoS Premier will look next season;
Blackburn United
Bo’ness United
Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic
Broxburn Athletic
Camelon Juniors
Crossgates Primrose
Dunbar United
Dundonald Bluebell
Hill of Beath Hawthorn
Jeanfield Swifts
Linlithgow Rose
Musselburgh Athletic
Newtongrange Star
Penicuik Athletic
Sauchie Juniors
Tranent Juniors
The Champions will play-off with the South of Scotland League Champions for promotion to the Lowland League (if Licenced), whilst the bottom three clubs will be relegated. There is also a scenario where the 13th club (fourth bottom) would be relegated depending on the promotion/relegation situation between the SPFL/Highland League/Lowland League. League matches will kick-off on Saturday 27th July, and fixtures will be available next month.
The format of next seasons William Hill Scottish Cup will also be confirmed next month and the draw for the initial rounds will take place mid-July.
Local cup competitions will consist of the South Challenge Cup, Football Nation Qualifying Cup and League Cup (straight knock-out from next season), these will be drawn at the EoS AGM on 6th June. As we are now an SFA Licenced club, we will not enter the Alex Jack Cup, and there is a proposal for the King Cup to be restricted to Conference clubs below the Premier.
More details will be published when they are to hand.