THE six local clubs now playing in Scottish Football's Pyramid System received some encouraging news last week looking ahead to the 2020-2021 season.

Like senior football, Lowland Leaguers, Kelty Hearts, and East of Scotland League teams, Hill of Beath Hawthorn, Dundonald Bluebell, Crossgates Primrose, Lochore Welfare and Lochgelly Albert have been left wondering what the effect of the coronavirus will be on the new season after cutting short last term.

The Pyramid Re-start Group has been examining all the possible ways how the various divisions can get back into action and while a normal August start will not be possible, things may begin not long after that.

Officials from the Lowland League as well as the East, South and West of Scotland associations, who make up the Pyramid Restart Group, had their first virtual meeting last week to begin planning for the new season.

In an update sent to clubs the group outlined plans to restart training in August with the aim of playing games from late September or early October, subject to Government guidelines.

The Group were concerned about what they felt was a lack of support shown towards the lower leagues throughout the coronavirus crisis, stating: "We have been in discussions and expressed our disappointment at the lack of information and practical support, including finance, for our semi-professional level of the game".

The Group further advised: "In the meantime, all clubs must continue to observe Scottish Government guidelines which means no training or matches can take place until formally advised. To do otherwise would be illegal, contravene a Scottish FA Board directive, not be covered by insurance and could result in disciplinary action, bring bad publicity and result in the restart at semi-professional level being further delayed."

The Pyramid Restart Group indicated that there are plans to restart training in August, and playing from last Saturday in September or first Saturday in October were “the indicative dates for now,” and added “these will be confirmed or otherwise in line with Scottish Government/ Scottish FA instructions”.

Before the fixture lists are drawn up, clubs will also be asked to complete a facility survey to inform the schedule and capacity number for spectators, if and when these are allowed at games.