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The '''East of Scotland Football League''' (EoSFL) is a league of [[association football|football]] teams from south-east [[Scotland]] formed in 1923. It is one of Scotland's three "senior" non-leagues which sit below the [[Scottish Football League]] (SFL), the other two being the [[Highland Football League]] and the [[South of Scotland Football League]] (SoSFL).
The '''East of Scotland Football League''' (EoSFL) is a league of [[association football|football]] teams from south-east [[Scotland]] formed in 1923. It sits below the [[Lowland League]] formed in 2013 to act as a feeder to the newly formed [[Scottish Professional Football League]].


Its clubs are largely drawn from the [[Edinburgh]], [[Lothians]] and [[Scottish Borders]] areas.
⚫
Its clubs are largely drawn from the [[Edinburgh]], [[Lothians]] and [[Scottish Borders]] areas, although with a number of clubs having opted to join their ranks from the SoSFL in recent years: ([[Annan Athletic F.C.|Annan Athletic]], who left when elected to the SFL in 2008; [[Threave Rovers F.C.|Threave Rovers]], who subsequently left to rejoin the SoSFL; and [[Dalbeattie Star F.C.|Dalbeattie Star]], who resigned as members in July 2009 to concentrate on the SoSFL) mean there are other clubs, Burntisland Shipyard, Gretna 2008 and Stirling University, from other areas too.


A total of 21 teams will compete in 2013-14 drawn from the 29 members of the sister organisation the East of Scotland Football Association (EoSFA). 5 of the teams are reserve teams fielded by EoSFA members who compete in higher leagues.
⚫
The EoSFL is split into two divisions. Up until the end of the 2010-11 season there were 12 clubs in the Premier Division and 12 in the First Division. With the admittance of Duns in June 2011, there are now 13 teams in the First Division. Two clubs are promoted and relegated between the two divisions at the end of each season. The current league sponsor is Central Taxis.


==Background==
⚫
The EoSFL oversees the leagues and League Cup competitions; the East of Scotland Football Association (EoSFA) is a technically independent body, which organises all the other cups. Most of the officials sit on both bodies, and the Executive Committee is a joint organisation. The current President of the EoSFA is Morain Scott (of [[Coldstream F.C.|Coldstream]]) while the President of the EoSFL is Tom Allison (of [[Lothian Thistle F.C.|Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale]]). The secretary of both organisations is John Greenhorn ([[Ormiston F.C.|Ormiston]]).


The EoSFL was traditionally one of Scotland's three "senior" non-leagues which sat below the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), the other two being the [[Highland Football League]] and the [[South of Scotland Football League]] (SoSFL). In 2013 a new Lowland League was formed covering all of Scotland south of the River Tay to act as a direct feeder to the SPFL. Although initially there will not be any automatic promotion and relegation between the EoSFL and the Lowland League, it is planned to be the first step towards creating a coherent [[Scottish football pyramid]].
⚫
The EoSFL also organises an Under-19 league, along with a League Cup and Challenge Cup. Current members are [[Spartans F.C.|Spartans]], [[Tynecastle F.C.|Tynecastle]], [[Gala Fairydean F.C.|Gala Fairydean]], [[Edinburgh City F.C.|Edinburgh City]], [[Craigroyston F.C.|Craigroyston]], [[Lothian Thistle F.C.|Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale]], [[Coldstream F.C.|Coldstream]], [[Heriot-Watt University F.C.|Heriot Watt University]], [[Civil Service Strollers F.C.|Civil Service Strollers]], [[Gretna F.C. 2008|Gretna 2008]] and [[Leith Athletic F.C.|Leith Athletic]]. The Under-19 teams of Hearts, Hibs and Livingston do not participate in EoSFL competitions. All 11 teams play in the [[Scottish Football Association]]'s [[Scottish Youth Cup]] annually.

Traditionally the EoSFL drew members from Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders regions but in recent years members have been drawn from a wider area of South East Scotland including [[Burntisland Shipyard]], [[Gretna 2008]] and [[Stirling University F.C.|Stirling University]].

⚫
Recently the EoSFL has been viewed as a stronger league than the South of Scotland League with a number of ambitious SoSFL clubs having opted to join the EoSFL including ([[Annan Athletic F.C.|Annan Athletic]], who left when elected to the SFL in 2008; [[Threave Rovers F.C.|Threave Rovers]] and [[Dalbeattie Star F.C.|Dalbeattie Star]] who both subsequently left to rejoin the SoSFL and then the Lowland League.

==East of Scotland Football Association==

⚫
While the EoSFL oversees the leagues and League Cup competitions; the East of Scotland Football Association (EoSFA) is a technically independent body, which organises all the other cups. Most of the officials sit on both bodies, and the Executive Committee is a joint organisation. The current President of the EoSFA is Morain Scott (of [[Coldstream F.C.|Coldstream]]) while the President of the EoSFL is Tom Allison (of [[Lothian Thistle F.C.|Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale]]). The secretary of both organisations is John Greenhorn ([[Ormiston F.C.|Ormiston]]).

There are 29 members of the East of Scotland Football Association (EoSFA). Four members play in the Scottish Professional Football League:
⚫
:*[[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]] (play in [[Scottish Premier League]])
⚫
:*[[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]] (play in [[Scottish Premier League]])
⚫
:*[[Livingston F.C.|Livingston]] (play in [[Scottish Football League]] First Division)
⚫
:*[[Berwick Rangers F.C.|Berwick Rangers]] (play in [[Scottish Football League]] Third Division)

Hibernian (since 2013)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/football/hibs/hibs-secure-berth-in-east-of-scotland-league-1-2959366 |title=Hibs secure berth in East of Scotland League |work=Edinburgh Evening News |publisher=Johnston Publishing |date=7 June 2013 |accessdate=7 June 2013}}</ref> and Berwick Rangers (since 2010) both field reserve teams in the EoSFL. The first teams of these four members have little involvement in EoSFA competitions. Hearts and Hibs contest the [[East of Scotland Shield]] (although this competition is held irregularly), while Berwick Rangers and Livingston participate in the East of Scotland (City) Cup.

Nine EoSFA members play in the Lowland League:
:*[[Edinburgh City F.C.|Edinburgh City]]
:*[[Gala Fairydean F.C.|Gala Fairydean Rovers]]
:*[[Gretna F.C. 2008|Gretna 2008]]
:*[[Preston Athletic F.C.|Preston Athletic]]
:*[[Selkirk F.C.|Selkirk]]
:*[[Spartans F.C.|Spartans]]
:*[[Stirling University F.C.|Stirling University]]
:*[[Vale of Leithen F.C.|Vale of Leithen]]
:*[[Whitehill Welfare F.C.|Whitehill Welfare]]

Edinburgh City, Spartans and Stirling University field reserve teams in the EoSFL.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/football/local-football/east-seniors-agree-on-a-new-set-up-1-2982200 |title=East Seniors agree on a new setup |publisher=Johnston Publishing |date=28 June 2013 |accessdate=28 June 2013 |work=Edinburgh Evening News}}</ref> The first teams of these nine members contest EoSFA cups (excluding the Qualifying League and League Cup).


The EoSFL and EoSFA are full members of the [[Scottish Football Association]].
The EoSFL and EoSFA are full members of the [[Scottish Football Association]].


==Competition Format==
==EoSFA & EoSFL members 2013&ndash;14==


⚫
The EoSFL is split into two divisions. Two clubs are promoted and relegated between the two divisions at the end of each season. The current league sponsor is Central Taxis.
⚫
Nine clubs leave for the newly formed Lowland League. Spartans, Edinburgh City and Stirling University's reserve teams replace their first teams in the Premier Division. Hibernian reserves join the First Division. No relegation takes place, while Craigroyston and Coldstream are promoted to the Premier Division.


For the 2013-14 season the Premier Division will have 10 teams while the First Division will have 11 members:
*'''Premier Division'''
*'''Premier Division'''
:*[[Civil Service Strollers F.C.|Civil Service Strollers]]
:*[[Civil Service Strollers F.C.|Civil Service Strollers]]
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:*[[Peebles F.C.|Peebles Rovers]]
:*[[Peebles F.C.|Peebles Rovers]]


⚫
In 2013-14 because of League Restructuring, nine clubs left for the newly formed Lowland League. Spartans, Edinburgh City and Stirling University's reserve teams replaced their first teams in the Premier Division. Hibernian reserves joined the First Division. No relegation took place place, while Craigroyston and Coldstream were promoted to the Premier Division.
⚫
All 23 clubs enter the King Cup, Image Printers East of Scotland Qualifying Cup and South Challenge Cup, which also includes South of Scotland League clubs as well as full SFA members Girvan and Glasgow University. All clubs enter the East of Scotland Qualifying Leagues with progression to the League Cup.


⚫
All 23 clubs enter the King Cup, Image Printers East of Scotland Qualifying Cup and South Challenge Cup, which also includes SoSFA members as well as full SFA members Girvan and Glasgow University. All clubs enter the East of Scotland Qualifying Leagues with progression to the League Cup.
In addition, the following clubs are also members of the EoSFA only, playing in the national leagues:
⚫
:*[[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]] (play in [[Scottish Premier League]])
⚫
:*[[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]] (play in [[Scottish Premier League]])
⚫
:*[[Livingston F.C.|Livingston]] (play in [[Scottish Football League]] First Division)
⚫
:*[[Berwick Rangers F.C.|Berwick Rangers]] (play in [[Scottish Football League]] Third Division)

All have little involvement in EoSFA competitions: Hearts and Hibs contest the [[East of Scotland Shield]] (although this competition is held irregularly), while Berwick Rangers and Livingston participate in the East of Scotland (City) Cup. Since the 2010/11 season, a Berwick Rangers [[reserve team]] has played in the East of Scotland First Division. Hibs were admitted to the league in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/football/hibs/hibs-secure-berth-in-east-of-scotland-league-1-2959366 |title=Hibs secure berth in East of Scotland League |work=Edinburgh Evening News |publisher=Johnston Publishing |date=7 June 2013 |accessdate=7 June 2013}}</ref> After some clubs were admitted to the newly formed [[Lowland League]] in 2013, the East of Scotland League continued with 21 clubs, although some of these will only field reserve teams.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/football/local-football/east-seniors-agree-on-a-new-set-up-1-2982200 |title=East Seniors agree on a new setup |publisher=Johnston Publishing |date=28 June 2013 |accessdate=28 June 2013 |work=Edinburgh Evening News}}</ref>


==Cup competitions==
==Cup competitions==
*[[Scottish Cup]]: Only the 12 SFA members play in this competition. Knock-out tournament, with replays until the Semi-Finals and Final.
*[[Scottish Cup]]: Only full SFA members play in this competition. Knock-out tournament, with replays until the Semi-Finals and Final.
*[[South Challenge Cup]]: This competition, new from 2007&ndash;08, replaced the old [[Scottish Qualifying Cup]] (South) under the new Scottish Cup format. It is for all clubs in the south of Scotland, aside from reserve teams - and thus it has 38 entrants, 23 from the EoSFL, 12 from the [[South of Scotland Football League]], two amateur [[SFA]] clubs - [[Burntisland Shipyard F.C.]] and [[Glasgow University F.C.|Glasgow University]], and one club in membership of the SFA and [[SJFA]] - [[Girvan F.C.|Girvan]]. It is a straight knock-out tournament.
*[[South Challenge Cup]]: This competition, new from 2007&ndash;08, replaced the old [[Scottish Qualifying Cup]] (South) under the new Scottish Cup format. It is for all clubs in the south of Scotland, aside from reserve teams - and thus it has 40 entrants, 12 from the Lowland League, 16 from the EoSFL, 10 from the [[South of Scotland Football League]], one amateur [[SFA]] club [[Glasgow University F.C.|Glasgow University]], and one club in membership of the SFA and [[SJFA]] - [[Girvan F.C.|Girvan]]. It is a straight knock-out tournament.
*[[The King Cup]]: Open to all 24 EoSFA members playing in the EOSFL. Straight knock-out tournament without replays. The King Cup final is traditionally the last game of the season.
*[[The King Cup]]: Open to all 24 EoSFA members not playing in the SPFL. Straight knock-out tournament without replays. The King Cup final is traditionally the last game of the season.
*[[East of Scotland Qualifying Leagues]]: A new competition from season 2011/12. Open to all 24 EoSFA members playing in the EoSFL except newly-elected Duns. A pre-season warm-up competition, these clubs are split into four groups of six and each plays the others within their group once.
*[[East of Scotland Qualifying Leagues]]: A new competition from season 2011/12. Open to all 24 EoSFA members playing in the EoSFL except newly-elected Duns. A pre-season warm-up competition, these clubs are split into four groups of six and each plays the others within their group once.
*[[East of Scotland League Cup]]: Group winners and runners-up from the East of Scotland Qualifying Leagues enter this straight knock-out competition.
*[[East of Scotland League Cup]]: Group winners and runners-up from the East of Scotland Qualifying Leagues enter this straight knock-out competition.
*[[The East of Scotland Qualifying Cup]]: currently sponsored by Image Printers. All 24 EoSFA members playing in the EOSFL enter. The finalists join the first teams of [[Berwick Rangers F.C.|Berwick Rangers]] and [[Livingston F.C.|Livingston]] in the East of Scotland (City) Cup. Straight knock-out without replays.
*[[The East of Scotland Qualifying Cup]]: currently sponsored by Image Printers. All 24 EoSFA members playing in the EOSFL enter. The finalists join the first teams of [[Berwick Rangers F.C.|Berwick Rangers]] and [[Livingston F.C.|Livingston]] in the East of Scotland (City) Cup. Straight knock-out without replays.
*[[East of Scotland (City) Cup]]: Finalists of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup join [[Berwick Rangers F.C.|Berwick Rangers]] and Livingston in single-legged semi-finals and final, which go straight to penalties if drawn after 90 minutes. The 4 EoSFA members in the national leagues (Hearts, Hibs, Berwick and Livingston, formerly Meadowbank Thistle) used to all enter, but now Hearts and Hibs reserves contest the [[East of Scotland Shield]] - albeit intermittently.
*[[East of Scotland (City) Cup]]: Finalists of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup join [[Berwick Rangers F.C.|Berwick Rangers]] and Livingston in single-legged semi-finals and final, which go straight to penalties if drawn after 90 minutes. The 4 EoSFA members in the national leagues (Hearts, Hibs, Berwick and Livingston, formerly Meadowbank Thistle) used to all enter, but now Hearts and Hibs reserves contest the [[East of Scotland Shield]] - albeit intermittently.
*[[East of Scotland Consolation Cup]]: known as the '[[Alex Jack Cup]]'. Competition for 12 non-SFA members of the EoSFL, usually played on the same weekends as Scottish Cup matches. Acts both as a top-up cup, giving these teams matches on otherwise idle weekends, and as an opportunity for what tend to be smaller clubs to gain trophies. Straight knock-out, without replays.
*[[East of Scotland Consolation Cup]]: known as the '[[Alex Jack Cup]]'. Competition for non-SFA members of the EoSFL, usually played on the same weekends as Scottish Cup matches. Acts both as a top-up cup, giving these teams matches on otherwise idle weekends, and as an opportunity for what tend to be smaller clubs to gain trophies. Straight knock-out, without replays.
*[[East of Scotland Shield]]: since the mid&ndash;1980s this tournament has become a one-off match for youth/reserve teams of [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]] and [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]].
*[[East of Scotland Shield]]: since the mid&ndash;1980s this tournament has become a one-off match for youth/reserve teams of [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]] and [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]].

==Youth Competitions==

⚫
The EoSFL also organises an Under-19 league, along with a League Cup and Challenge Cup. Current members are [[Spartans F.C.|Spartans]], [[Tynecastle F.C.|Tynecastle]], [[Gala Fairydean F.C.|Gala Fairydean]], [[Edinburgh City F.C.|Edinburgh City]], [[Craigroyston F.C.|Craigroyston]], [[Lothian Thistle F.C.|Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale]], [[Coldstream F.C.|Coldstream]], [[Heriot-Watt University F.C.|Heriot Watt University]], [[Civil Service Strollers F.C.|Civil Service Strollers]], [[Gretna F.C. 2008|Gretna 2008]] and [[Leith Athletic F.C.|Leith Athletic]]. The Under-19 teams of Hearts, Hibs and Livingston do not participate in EoSFL competitions. All 11 teams play in the [[Scottish Football Association]]'s [[Scottish Youth Cup]] annually.


==History==
==History==
Line 67: Line 95:


===Recent history===
===Recent history===
The EoSFL is generally not viewed as being as strong as the Highland League (with fewer of their club sides defeating SFL sides in the Scottish Cup competition as opposed to the HFL) but is still regarded as being stronger than the SoSFL. A number of the sides in the EoSFL have applied to join the SFL in recent years, with [[Gala Fairydean F.C.|Gala Fairydean]] applying in 1994, 2000 and 2002, [[Preston Athletic F.C.|Preston Athletic]] applying in 2000 and 2002, [[Annan Athletic F.C.|Annan Athletic]] in 2000 and [[Edinburgh City F.C.|Edinburgh City]] attempting to join in 2002.
The EoSFL was generally not viewed as being as strong as the Highland League (with fewer of their club sides defeating SFL sides in the Scottish Cup competition as opposed to the HFL) but was still regarded as being stronger than the SoSFL. A number of the sides in the EoSFL have applied to join the SFL in recent years, with [[Gala Fairydean F.C.|Gala Fairydean]] applying in 1994, 2000 and 2002, [[Preston Athletic F.C.|Preston Athletic]] applying in 2000 and 2002, [[Annan Athletic F.C.|Annan Athletic]] in 2000 and [[Edinburgh City F.C.|Edinburgh City]] attempting to join in 2002.


In 2004, [[Threave Rovers F.C.|Threave Rovers]] pulled out of the League to concentrate their efforts on the [[South of Scotland Football League]]. This left the League with an uneven number of clubs and they were expected to fill the vacancy in the Summer of 2005, with [[Gala Rovers F.C.|Gala Rovers]] widely touted as likely candidates. However this did not happen. The only change that happened at that year's Annual General Meeting of the League was that [[Tollcross United F.C.|Tollcross United]] announced they would be competing as [[Tynecastle F.C.|Tynecastle]] from the 2005&ndash;06 season.
In 2004, [[Threave Rovers F.C.|Threave Rovers]] pulled out of the League to concentrate their efforts on the [[South of Scotland Football League]]. This left the League with an uneven number of clubs and they were expected to fill the vacancy in the Summer of 2005, with [[Gala Rovers F.C.|Gala Rovers]] widely touted as likely candidates. However this did not happen. The only change that happened at that year's Annual General Meeting of the League was that [[Tollcross United F.C.|Tollcross United]] announced they would be competing as [[Tynecastle F.C.|Tynecastle]] from the 2005&ndash;06 season.
Line 77: Line 105:
Gretna 2008 took the place in the EoSFL, though not the league position, of [[Annan Athletic F.C.|Annan Athletic]], which was elected by the SFL to take the place in the Third Division that Gretna F.C. was forced to resign. Annan Athletic had been in the EoSFL Premiership, while Gretna 2008 began its life in the EoSFL First Division.
Gretna 2008 took the place in the EoSFL, though not the league position, of [[Annan Athletic F.C.|Annan Athletic]], which was elected by the SFL to take the place in the Third Division that Gretna F.C. was forced to resign. Annan Athletic had been in the EoSFL Premiership, while Gretna 2008 began its life in the EoSFL First Division.


The admission of [[Duns F.C.|Duns]] prior to the 2011-12 season brings the number of sides in the EoSFL to 25, the highest it has ever been. [[Burntisland Shipyard Amateur F.C.|Burntisland Shipyard]] joined the league for the 2012-13 season, increasing the league to 26 teams.
The admission of [[Duns F.C.|Duns]] prior to the 2011-12 season brought the number of sides in the EoSFL to 25, the highest it has ever been. [[Burntisland Shipyard Amateur F.C.|Burntisland Shipyard]] joined the league for the 2012-13 season, increasing the league to 26 teams.

With the establishment of the Lowland League in 2013, the EoSFL was reduced again to 21 teams.


==Stadia==
==Stadia==

Revision as of 12:06, 4 July 2013

The East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL) is a league of football teams from south-east Scotland formed in 1923. It sits below the Lowland League formed in 2013 to act as a feeder to the newly formed Scottish Professional Football League.

Its clubs are largely drawn from the Edinburgh, Lothians and Scottish Borders areas.

A total of 21 teams will compete in 2013-14 drawn from the 29 members of the sister organisation the East of Scotland Football Association (EoSFA). 5 of the teams are reserve teams fielded by EoSFA members who compete in higher leagues.

Background

The EoSFL was traditionally one of Scotland's three "senior" non-leagues which sat below the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), the other two being the Highland Football League and the South of Scotland Football League (SoSFL). In 2013 a new Lowland League was formed covering all of Scotland south of the River Tay to act as a direct feeder to the SPFL. Although initially there will not be any automatic promotion and relegation between the EoSFL and the Lowland League, it is planned to be the first step towards creating a coherent Scottish football pyramid.

Traditionally the EoSFL drew members from Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders regions but in recent years members have been drawn from a wider area of South East Scotland including Burntisland Shipyard, Gretna 2008 and Stirling University.

Recently the EoSFL has been viewed as a stronger league than the South of Scotland League with a number of ambitious SoSFL clubs having opted to join the EoSFL including (Annan Athletic, who left when elected to the SFL in 2008; Threave Rovers and Dalbeattie Star who both subsequently left to rejoin the SoSFL and then the Lowland League.

East of Scotland Football Association

While the EoSFL oversees the leagues and League Cup competitions; the East of Scotland Football Association (EoSFA) is a technically independent body, which organises all the other cups. Most of the officials sit on both bodies, and the Executive Committee is a joint organisation. The current President of the EoSFA is Morain Scott (of Coldstream) while the President of the EoSFL is Tom Allison (of Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale). The secretary of both organisations is John Greenhorn (Ormiston).

There are 29 members of the East of Scotland Football Association (EoSFA). Four members play in the Scottish Professional Football League:

Hibernian (since 2013)[1] and Berwick Rangers (since 2010) both field reserve teams in the EoSFL. The first teams of these four members have little involvement in EoSFA competitions. Hearts and Hibs contest the East of Scotland Shield (although this competition is held irregularly), while Berwick Rangers and Livingston participate in the East of Scotland (City) Cup.

Nine EoSFA members play in the Lowland League:

Edinburgh City, Spartans and Stirling University field reserve teams in the EoSFL.[2] The first teams of these nine members contest EoSFA cups (excluding the Qualifying League and League Cup).

The EoSFL and EoSFA are full members of the Scottish Football Association.

Competition Format

The EoSFL is split into two divisions. Two clubs are promoted and relegated between the two divisions at the end of each season. The current league sponsor is Central Taxis.

For the 2013-14 season the Premier Division will have 10 teams while the First Division will have 11 members:

  • Premier Division
  • First Division

In 2013-14 because of League Restructuring, nine clubs left for the newly formed Lowland League. Spartans, Edinburgh City and Stirling University's reserve teams replaced their first teams in the Premier Division. Hibernian reserves joined the First Division. No relegation took place place, while Craigroyston and Coldstream were promoted to the Premier Division.

All 23 clubs enter the King Cup, Image Printers East of Scotland Qualifying Cup and South Challenge Cup, which also includes SoSFA members as well as full SFA members Girvan and Glasgow University. All clubs enter the East of Scotland Qualifying Leagues with progression to the League Cup.

Cup competitions

  • Scottish Cup: Only full SFA members play in this competition. Knock-out tournament, with replays until the Semi-Finals and Final.
  • South Challenge Cup: This competition, new from 2007–08, replaced the old Scottish Qualifying Cup (South) under the new Scottish Cup format. It is for all clubs in the south of Scotland, aside from reserve teams - and thus it has 40 entrants, 12 from the Lowland League, 16 from the EoSFL, 10 from the South of Scotland Football League, one amateur SFA club Glasgow University, and one club in membership of the SFA and SJFA - Girvan. It is a straight knock-out tournament.
  • The King Cup: Open to all 24 EoSFA members not playing in the SPFL. Straight knock-out tournament without replays. The King Cup final is traditionally the last game of the season.
  • East of Scotland Qualifying Leagues: A new competition from season 2011/12. Open to all 24 EoSFA members playing in the EoSFL except newly-elected Duns. A pre-season warm-up competition, these clubs are split into four groups of six and each plays the others within their group once.
  • East of Scotland League Cup: Group winners and runners-up from the East of Scotland Qualifying Leagues enter this straight knock-out competition.
  • The East of Scotland Qualifying Cup: currently sponsored by Image Printers. All 24 EoSFA members playing in the EOSFL enter. The finalists join the first teams of Berwick Rangers and Livingston in the East of Scotland (City) Cup. Straight knock-out without replays.
  • East of Scotland (City) Cup: Finalists of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup join Berwick Rangers and Livingston in single-legged semi-finals and final, which go straight to penalties if drawn after 90 minutes. The 4 EoSFA members in the national leagues (Hearts, Hibs, Berwick and Livingston, formerly Meadowbank Thistle) used to all enter, but now Hearts and Hibs reserves contest the East of Scotland Shield - albeit intermittently.
  • East of Scotland Consolation Cup: known as the 'Alex Jack Cup'. Competition for non-SFA members of the EoSFL, usually played on the same weekends as Scottish Cup matches. Acts both as a top-up cup, giving these teams matches on otherwise idle weekends, and as an opportunity for what tend to be smaller clubs to gain trophies. Straight knock-out, without replays.
  • East of Scotland Shield: since the mid–1980s this tournament has become a one-off match for youth/reserve teams of Hearts and Hibernian.

Youth Competitions

The EoSFL also organises an Under-19 league, along with a League Cup and Challenge Cup. Current members are Spartans, Tynecastle, Gala Fairydean, Edinburgh City, Craigroyston, Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale, Coldstream, Heriot Watt University, Civil Service Strollers, Gretna 2008 and Leith Athletic. The Under-19 teams of Hearts, Hibs and Livingston do not participate in EoSFL competitions. All 11 teams play in the Scottish Football Association's Scottish Youth Cup annually.

History

Original EoSFL

An earlier East of Scotland League existed between 1896 and 1906 when the supplementary Edinburgh Football League changed its name after accepting Dundee as a member. There is no connection between the two incarnations of the league.

Recent history

The EoSFL was generally not viewed as being as strong as the Highland League (with fewer of their club sides defeating SFL sides in the Scottish Cup competition as opposed to the HFL) but was still regarded as being stronger than the SoSFL. A number of the sides in the EoSFL have applied to join the SFL in recent years, with Gala Fairydean applying in 1994, 2000 and 2002, Preston Athletic applying in 2000 and 2002, Annan Athletic in 2000 and Edinburgh City attempting to join in 2002.

In 2004, Threave Rovers pulled out of the League to concentrate their efforts on the South of Scotland Football League. This left the League with an uneven number of clubs and they were expected to fill the vacancy in the Summer of 2005, with Gala Rovers widely touted as likely candidates. However this did not happen. The only change that happened at that year's Annual General Meeting of the League was that Tollcross United announced they would be competing as Tynecastle from the 2005–06 season.

In 2006, Peebles Rovers merged with several local amateur sides to become Peebles, who took Rovers place in the league. At the 2007 AGM, agreement was reached to admit the reserve side of Berwick Rangers as the twelfth member of the First Division. They have also entered the League Cup, but no other cups, in 2007–08. However, the reserves lasted only one season following Berwick Rangers' relegation to the fourth tier of Scottish football. They have been replaced by Stirling University.

Gretna 2008 entered the league in 2008, formed in the wake of the financial disaster that befell Gretna's former club, Gretna F.C. The original club had meteorically risen from the Third Division to the SPL in three years due to the support of multimillionaire Brooks Mileson. However, they were not competitive in the SPL in their only season in that league in 2007–08, and Mileson was forced to withdraw his support due to a health crisis that would ultimately claim his life. The debt-ridden club resigned its place in the SFL, and was liquidated in August 2008. In the meantime, local supporters formed a new club to keep senior football in the town—although Gretna 2008 has initially had to play its home matches in nearby Annan.

Gretna 2008 took the place in the EoSFL, though not the league position, of Annan Athletic, which was elected by the SFL to take the place in the Third Division that Gretna F.C. was forced to resign. Annan Athletic had been in the EoSFL Premiership, while Gretna 2008 began its life in the EoSFL First Division.

The admission of Duns prior to the 2011-12 season brought the number of sides in the EoSFL to 25, the highest it has ever been. Burntisland Shipyard joined the league for the 2012-13 season, increasing the league to 26 teams.

With the establishment of the Lowland League in 2013, the EoSFL was reduced again to 21 teams.

Stadia

Attendances in the EoSFL are not particularly high as clubs in the Edinburgh area must compete with a number of SFL and SPL clubs and in the Borders area the sport of rugby union is more popular. Crowds vary from in the hundreds at Gretna, Spartans and Preston, to handfuls at Eyemouth or Easthouses. Generally, the majority of clubs attract a few dozen fans to each match.

The following clubs have seated stands and floodlights at their stadiums: Berwick Rangers Reserves, Edinburgh City, Preston Athletic, Gala Fairydean, Hawick Royal Albert, Gretna FC 2008, Spartans, and Peebles (although Peebles lack floodlights).

The following clubs have floodlights only: Edinburgh University (depending what pitch is in use), Lothian Thistle, Heriot-Watt University. Selkirk is believed to be considering fitting floodlights in the next season or two.

Champions Spartans have the newest stadium in the EoSFL, playing there for the first time in season 2009-10. Ainslie Park has a capacity of 4,000, including 504 seats. It has floodlights too. Ainslie Park also has a full size and floodlit artificial training pitch.

Ormiston, Vale of Leithen and Whitehill Welfare have covered standing provision.

The largest stadium in the EoSFL is Meadowbank Stadium, home of Edinburgh City, with a capacity of between 16,000 and 17,000 all seated, an electronic scoreboard, floodlights and various other facilities. The running track, however, means spectators are a long way from the pitch. Most cup finals tend to be played at Whitehill Welfare, Preston Athletic or Heriot-Watt University, or very occasionally at Heart of Midlothian or Hibernian's grounds.

List of winners

  • 1988–89
  • 1989–90
  • 1990–91
  • 1991–92
  • 1992–93
  • 1993–94
  • 1994–95
  • 1995–96
  • 1996–97
  • 1997-98
  • 1998–99
  • 1999–2000
  • 2000–01
  • 2001–02
  • 2002–03
  • 2003–04
  • 2004–05
  • 2005–06
  • 2006–07
  • 2007–08
  • 2008–09
  • 2009–10
  • 2010–11
  • 2011–12

Total titles won

Rank Club East of Scotland League Titles (pre 1987–1988) East of Scotland Premier League Titles (1987–1998–present) Total Number of Titles
1 Whitehill Welfare 6 9 15
2 Gala Fairydean 6 2 8
3 Spartans 2 6 8
4 Peebles Rovers 6 0 6
5 Hibernian 'B' 5 0 5
6= Annan Athletic 0 4 4
6= Eyemouth United 4 0 4
6= Vale of Leithen 4 0 4
9= Civil Service Strollers 3 0 3
9= Hawick Royal Albert 3 0 3
9= Selkirk 3 0 3
12= Bathgate 2 0 2
12= Berwick Rangers 2 0 2
12= Penicuik Athletic 2 0 2
15= Bo'Ness 1 0 1
15= Coldstream 1 0 1
15= Cowdenbeath 'A' 1 0 1
15= Easthouses Lily Miners Welfare 0 1 1
15= Edinburgh City 0 1 1
15= Heart of Midlothian 'B' 1 0 1
15= Jedburgh Artisans 1 0 1

References

  1. ^ "Hibs secure berth in East of Scotland League". Edinburgh Evening News. Johnston Publishing. 7 June 2013. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
  2. ^ "East Seniors agree on a new setup". Edinburgh Evening News. Johnston Publishing. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 28 June 2013.
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