THE SFA's AGM is a meeting which could have far-reaching consequences for the future of Junior football ... but not one of our clubs will be represented at Hampden.

The ruling body will vote on revolutionary proposals put forward which are designed to galvanise the SFA's Scottish Cup.

They call for the end of the current Qualifying Cups (North and South) in favour of a single Scottish Cup competition, encompassing an eight-round format with staggered entry, according to status.

This affects Junior clubs in that the proposed all-in first-round draw will include the trio of Super League champions Pollok, Linlithgow Rose and Culter, as well as Kelty Hearts - were they to emerge as Scottish Junior Cup winners on Sunday.

The chances are that quartet would then be among the 18 first-round victors making up the second-round pot, along with the Highland League champions and runners-up, the East and South of Scotland League winners, plus 10 SFL Division Three clubs.

The likelihood of a side such as Pollok or Linlithgow landing a dream tie against one of the Old Firm remains distant at best, given the SPL teams do not become involved until the fourth round.

However, the very prospect will have Junior club treasurers wetting their lips in anticipation, given a further SFA recommendation that all Scottish Cup entrants receive a £2000 bonus payment on top of assistance with travel costs in the first and second rounds.

The SFA proposals are not expected to sail through unopposed. But if they are passed on a vote, then our top clubs will need to ensure they comply with the Scottish Cup criteria, not least in the make-up of their squads, where team lists must include two recognised goalkeepers and two outfield players under 21.

Meanwhile, one of Junior football's journeymen, Jimmy Creaney, is on the look-out for a new club after quitting as Troon assistant manager.

When gaffer Jim Dempsey stepped down last week because of personal commitments, most tipped Creaney to step up.

However, the Troon No.2 has reluctantly turned his back on the cash-strapped Ayrshire outfit after it was revealed six top players are set to leave.

His own son James is being recalled by Ayr United, while Richie Buckley has joined English League Two side Stockport.

Keeper Adam Strain has joined Irvine Meadow, striking pair Andy Reid and Stevie Crichton are reckoned to be holding signing talks with newly-promoted Beith and defender Martin Graham is thought to be close to signing for Cumnock.

A clearly disheartened Creaney said: "I'm disappointed as I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Troon.

"We built a team that came close to promotion and I felt new faces might get us up next season. To be told that moving our best players on was an economic necessity came as a real slap in the face.

"I still want to stay involved at Junior level and hopefully an opening will turn up soon."

Beith have snapped up Maryhill front-man Kenny McLean, while former Kilwinning striker Ian Cashmore has signed for Stranraer. Last Night

North Ayrshire Cup. First round - Irvine Vics 1 Kilwinning 5.