Fraserburgh boss Mark Cowie believes that the Highland League might be even more competitive next season now that Cove Rangers have been promoted to SPFL League 2.
It is not known yet known whether the league’s management committee will stay with the status quo of 17 teams, allowing each club two weeks off during next season’s campaign, or look to attract a new club to take the membership back to an even number of 18.
Cowie said: “First of all I would like to pass on huge congratulations to Cove Rangers manager John Sheran and his guys for fulfilling the ambition they have shown over the last few years.
“Cove obviously wanted to go up to the SPFL, they have suffered a few knocks along the way but you’ve got to applaud their ambition.
“They’re now probably where they belong, and to be honest I don’t think we’ll ever see them back in the Highland League, I think they will just go from strength to strength.
“We can now all strive to follow the example Cove Rangers have set us, clubs like Formartine United, Brora Rangers and ourselves with all be doing our best, as will the likes of Inverurie Locos, Forres Mechanics and Buckie Thistle, all of that will make it a more competitive league.”
Reflecting on the possibility of another club coming in to take Cove’s place, Cowie added: “Personally, I would have no objections if, as suggested, a young Caley Thistle team wanted to join the Highland League.
“Of course Banks o’ Dee have always said that they’re not interested in coming into the Highland League, but I think it is time for them to come in.”