Brora Rangers player-manager Steven Mackay insists he will not complain if the Cattachs remain in the Highland League next season.
The Sutherland outfit were crowned champions after the league’s member clubs voted to award them the title and end the season early due to coronavirus.
Brora would normally be due to compete in the pyramid play-offs for a place in League 2, however a resolution tabled by the SPFL board has recommended ending the season with no relegation from the league.
If the resolution is passed by member clubs, who have until 5pm today to cast their vote, Brora’s promotion dream would be thwarted unless the leagues are reconfigured to allow an automatic pathway into the league.
Mackay is keen for the Cattachs to progress but he would be equally satisfied if they remain in their current league next term.
Mackay said: “Whatever is decided going forward, we just need to take it on the chin.
“If we are in the Scottish league next season that would be unbelievable, it would be great for us all.
“If we are not, and we are in the Highland League, I think we are all at the stage now where we’re just desperate
to get back playing football irrespective of what league it’s going to be in.
“Everyone in the football world just wants to get back to normality. It’s not going to be a huge disappointment if we’re playing in the Highland League next season.
“We love the Highland League for what it is, and we enjoy playing in it.
“If we are there next season, we look forward to getting back and playing football.
“Our ultimate goal is to be playing in the Scottish league, but I just think this whole scenario is very difficult. I don’t envy the people that need to make the big decisions.”
Despite Mackay’s appreciation of the Highland League, the 38-year-old says there would be frustration at missing out on the opportunity to contest for a step up.
He added: “We kicked off the season with the view of trying to do our best to win the league foremost, and then get an opportunity to play in the play-offs to get into the Scottish league.
“Not finishing the season was far from ideal. Being awarded the title was the right decision, but still a strange set of circumstances.
“With that being confirmed it was almost the view we would potentially look forward to the play-offs, and wondering when that date was going to be.
“Now it’s being taken off the table completely, it’s pretty frustrating.”
Mackay insists the absence of play-offs could simplify the process, adding: “Another way of looking at it is that it’s cut and dry – we are either going to be in the Scottish league next season, or we’re going to be in the Highland League.
“There are going to be no ifs, buts or maybes. It’s very black and white now.”
