Hearts B face Lowland League wait as Celtic and Rangers factor leads to 19 team stumbling block

Hearts must wait to discover if their B team can be admitted to the Lowland League as they again consult member clubs after three 'guest clubs' applied to join.

Celtic and Rangers participated in the fifth-tier division this term as part of a pilot scheme and member clubs voted in favour of their continued participation next season as well as other 'guest clubs'.

Tynecastle chiefs are interested in entering their B team next season but that has thrown up the problem of a 19-team league.

Entry requires payment of a £40,000 fee, and while they are keen to pay, Hearts' involvement now rests with the other clubs.

A statement read: "The Scottish Lowland Football League board has canvassed the opinions of member clubs over the three guest clubs seeking inclusion in next season’s Lowland League.

"Last month, a majority of 11-4 indicated a preference for the continued involvement of guest clubs, having taken two weeks to weigh up and debate a presentation on the topic.

"A formal application process was subsequently opened, with three clubs confirming their interest and intent in joining the league.

"Cleary, the inclusion of three guest clubs would require the current format of the Lowland League to be altered, so the board has entered into a period of consultation with member clubs to gauge the collective appetite for such a move – while talks with other key stakeholders would, naturally, follow before any conclusion could be reached."

The league was keen to stress there remains no prospect of a B team taking a promotion slot.

The statement continued: "Whatever the outcome, guest clubs will not be eligible for promotion. Nor will they hamper the ability of clubs to be promoted to or relegated from the Lowland League."