Vote 1: Scottish Cup format 2020/21

Following the launch of the new Caledonian Braves mobile app, we are delighted to bring the fans their very first vote of 2020/21. Over the last week you have been putting forward your ideas for the decoration of the tunnel and establishing a new club motto. We have created a shortlist and today that topic was set to go to the polls.

However, the world of senior football doesn't wait around for anyone and due to the emergence of a significant club decision to be made, there has been a change of plans.

This morning the club received communication from the Lowland League, relating to this season's William Hill Scottish Cup. A competition we have proudly competed in since 2016 (originally as Edusport Academy). It has been publicised in the media recently that the revamped Scottish football calendar post-Covid-19 means the Scottish Cup cannot run in its normal format. You may have spotted the headlines about there only being space for 10 non-league sides, meaning 54 clubs would have to forfeit the opportunity (albeit still receive £5000 prize money, the equivalent of reaching the second round). This has been labelled 'Option A' and was tabled by the Scottish FA.

Today's email brings news of an alternative proposal ('Option B'). The option includes a single preliminary round, of which 60 of the 64 eligible clubs will compete. This means four clubs would unfortunately still be excluded entirely (presumably by ballot) and along with the 30 preliminary round losers, they would receive £5000 in prize money. The 30 clubs that progress would join the League 2 clubs in the next round, at which point the competition follows a similar format to the traditional model.

Option B is a proposal which the leagues (Lowland, East of Scotland, West of Scotland and South of Scotland) are considering putting forward to the Scottish FA, to be voted upon at their board meeting next week. They are asking all clubs to state their preference before taking it forward.

Caledonian Braves chairman Chris Ewing commented: "The Scottish Cup is the pinnacle for non-league teams and involves a lot of blood, sweat and tears behind the scenes to get the club licence in order to take part. We don't believe it is fair for any of the member clubs to miss out, however of course we understand the unprecedented circumstances mean concessions have to be made. As a club we believe Option B allows more clubs to participate and is the better solution. However, this gives the fans the opportunity to make their first behind the scenes decision and sets the tone for how we will operate moving forwards."

We only have until Saturday 15th August to make our decision and you, the fans, will decide. Visit the votes section of the app to cast your vote.

Read more about William Hill Scottish Cup here : https://www.williamhill.com/