The application process has begun for guest clubs to join the Lowland League for the 2022/23 season, the Scottish Lowland Football League have confirmed.
A majority of clubs voted at the start of April in favour to allow the reserve sides to continue in the league for another campaign after the 2021/22 season saw Celtic and Rangers B teams feature in the league for the first time in a pilot scheme.
The move would likely open the door for clubs such as Hearts who have previously expressed an interest in fielding a 'B' team in the league.
A league statement read: "We are delighted to announce that clubs who wish to be considered to be a guest club for season 2022/23 can now submit an expression of interest form.
"Following a recent vote of member clubs the League has vacancies for guest clubs for next season.
"Any club from the SPFL who is interested in being part of the League should email secretary@slfl.co.uk to receive the criteria, league rules and an expression of interest form.
"A further announcement about the inclusion of guest cubs for next season will be made in due course."
Bonnyrigg Rose were crowned league champions this season, finishing 14 points ahead of second place Celtic B, with Rangers B a further three points behind in fourth place.
Rangers have seen Alex Lowry, Charlie McCann and Tony Weston make the push for top team action from the Lowland League side while Celtic youngsters Ben Doak and Owen Moffat have made similar progressions for the Hoops.
Guest clubs such as B teams are still not permitted to be promoted or relegated in line with similar set-ups across Europe.
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson said: “I support a platform for the young players to go and play. We have not had a reserve league for a number of years and it has really hindered the development of these players.
“We have had to find loan deals to put them out but we have no control over what happens there - how they play, how they train, the environment they are in.
“If we can get that I would be delighted. It would be great for that young group who can get challenged week in and week out in competitive games and we can keep an eye on their progressions. I’d be all for it.
“It will only work well if you get these boys in your first team. It doesn’t matter about winning it, it’s about a development process to get them in your first team and the proof will be in the pudding.
“If you can develop three or four players to put into your first team, we hope we’d be able to do that if we do get in the Lowland League because they’re not getting the development they deserve with reserve football at the moment.”
