WILL CLARK - Harsh lesson in the world of not filling out paperwork
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Banks O’Dee were taught a tough lesson in the world of Highland League administration when they were deducted 24 points for fielding an ineligible player in eight matches as well as in their Scottish Cup match against Turriff United.
A lot of people thought the punishment was tough on the newly promoted team, who had dominated North Junior Super League football for so long and were the best non-league team in the north last season.
However, rules are rules, any team guilty of fielding an unregistered player will be deducted three points for every game they play in the division.
Tough yes, but in my opinion, the punishment was fair and not harsh.
Both Fort William and Rothes have been deducted points in the past for fielding unregistered players and if the same rules didn’t apply to Banks O’Dee, there would have been major questions why.
It is unfortunate on a team who have impressed a lot of people this season as they have made the step up to senior football.
The Torry outfit have only lost one match in the Highland League this season and recorded some impressive scorelines.
Sorry for bringing this up again Wick Academy fans, but Banks O’Dee went to Caithness and walloped the Scorries 8-0.
They also hammered Keith 8-0 at Spain Park and at the start of the season, they were my tip to win the Highland League given their performances last season, when they won the Aberdeenshire Cup and Aberdeenshire Shield as well as reach the fourth round of the Scottish Cup, beating East Fife on their way to their memorable run.
Banks O’Dee were apologetic in their administrative mistake when the punishment was announced.
Club president Brian Winton says the club were left devastated by the punishment.
He said: “I really feel for the management team and the players as they will be feeling badly let down.”
As a result of the mistake and as part of their Scottish Cup appeal, Winton has recommended that the Scottish Football Association sets up mandatory training for club secretaries.
He says it is a critical position within a football club with harsh consequences when errors occur, as Banks O’Dee have found out to their costs.
Banks O’Dee dropped from sixth place to the bottom on -1 and are now three points behind Strathspey Thistle.
Do Banks O’Dee face a tough fight against potential relegation back to the junior leagues? Not a chance. They have already proven they are one of the top teams in the league with just one defeat in their first 12 games.
They will surge up the division and it would not surprise me if they still manage to finish the season in the top half of the table.
They are an outstanding outfit who have plenty of firepower in their ranks and will probably go on to deliver a few more hidings before the season is out.
Before the points deduction, I couldn’t see Banks O’Dee finishing lower than third and thought only Brechin City and Buckie Thistle were capable of beating them for the title.
But rules are rules, and it has been a harsh lesson for everyone at Banks O’Dee to learn.
But I am sure they will learn from it and likely become stronger for the experience to become an SHFL force.
