Any restructure which excludes Kelty and Brora "unfair" says former Raith Rovers and East Stirlingshire midfielder Barr

Former Raith Rovers midfielder Bobby Barr and former East Fife striker Nathan Austin both made moves to the Lowland League last summerFormer Raith Rovers midfielder Bobby Barr and former East Fife striker Nathan Austin both made moves to the Lowland League last summer
Former Raith Rovers midfielder Bobby Barr and former East Fife striker Nathan Austin both made moves to the Lowland League last summer | jpimedia
Former Raith Rovers midfielder Bobby Barr says any restructuring of the SPFL which would deny Kelty Hearts and Brora Rangers a shot at promotion would be "unfair" to those clubs.

The 31-year old turned down a new deal with League 1 side Dumbarton last summer to join the Lowland League title chasers East Stirlingshire before a move back to the third tier with Forfar Athletic in January.

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It was a similar move to the likes of Shire teammate Nicky Low and Kelty Hearts duo Nathan Austin and Thomas Riley who took a step backward to join ambitious clubs seeking promotion to the SPFL and Barr believes it's "only right" too find a way to include the Lowland League and Highland League champions in any restructure.

He said: "I feel for these guys."

"My personal opinion is it would have been unfair to relegate Brechin as they could have saved themselves in the play-offs.

"It is also incredibly unfair on Kelty and Brora though.

"I know a few boys at Kelty, they were deservedly named champions and now might not get the chance to go up.

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"We were the same at Shire, our ambition was to try and get up so I think it's only right to find a way for them to get theses clubs in to the league, at the very least you need to have them involved in the talks."

Recent developments have seen League 2 clubs reportedly back a three leagues of 14 teams system for next season and, with all potential play-off games scrapped, that means no promotion for the Highland and Lowland League champions.

It also appears that would see Barr's current club Forfar along with Peterhead, Clyde and Stranraer miss out on potential high profile matches they might have seen in other restructures.

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He also added that any restructure that sees two teams promoted has its issues.

"I'm not 100% sure which model works best," said Barr.

"I understand Partick Thistle's issues because it would be extremely harsh for them to go down given their league standing when football stopped.

"It's unfair in my opinion to promote two teams though, in League 1 or 2 it doesn't matter if you finish second or fourth because you have the play-offs.

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"When I was at Raith we lost the league on the last day of the season and Alloa beat us in the play-offs - it's a lottery.

"I don't think a 14-14-14 split is great for a lot of teams either.

"Personally we'd miss out on games at the likes of Firhill and Stark's Park because we would be in with the League 2 clubs.

"I imagine the six league 1 clubs who would effectively move in to the Championship would be happy but not us.

"At the end of the day though, as a club, you have to look after yourselves."