East Kilbride fully focused on Lowland League title defence after Edinburgh City licence dashes hope of sneaking into SPFL

East Kilbride boss Mick Kennedy says his side are fully focused on retaining their title and going for promotion from the Lowland League again – after their slim hopes of entering the SPFL for this season were dashed.

Kilby were beaten by Stranraer in the pyramid play-off final in May, denying them promotion from the fifth tier once again. As losing finalists, there was a chance they could have slipped in through the back door if League Two Edinburgh City had failed to achieve their SFA Bronze licence – which is now a requirement for all teams competing in the SPFL – and been demoted.

However, after month of delays and struggles to meet the criteria, the Citizens were awarded their Bronze status last week. The club managed to overcome a series of hurdles during the summer and they are now confirmed as competing in League Two next season, keeping Bronze accredited Kilby in the Lowland League for a 12th season.

Ironically, the two sides meet in a friendly at K-Park on Friday night and Kennedy says all their efforts will be channelled into winning promotion this season.

Asked about news of Edinburgh’s licence award, Kennedy said: “That’s it now. You never know what’s going to happen when you hear these things, a lot happens behind closed doors.

“But Edinburgh City have obviously put in a lot of work and credit to the new people who came in to help and put in a lot of work during difficult circumstances. Good luck to them with that.

“Our focus has always been on playing in the Lowland League again this season and trying to progress, so nothing changes for us in that regard. We knew the Edinburgh thing was in the background but it was certainly not something we were hanging our hats on. We are fully focused on winning the