WEST FIFE'S sole remaining junior football club have outlined their intention to move into the senior pyramid system next season.

Rosyth FC, who currently play in the East Region's South Premier League, announced on Saturday that they plan to resign "from their current status" and apply to join the East of Scotland League.

The club, which is based at the Fleet Grounds, said that while their move from the junior ranks will be done with "a heavy heart", they said that it will take place with the backing of manager, Brian Muirhead, his coaching staff and the players.

In a statement released after their scheduled match at Sauchie Juniors CFC was postponed due to travel safety concerns, the Rosyth committee said: "The committee of Rosyth Juniors can confirm their intention to resign from their current status as a junior football club.

"The decision has not been taken lightly, as Rosyth has been an integral part of the junior history. In recent seasons they narrowly missed out oin promotion, drawing West Region big guns Hurlford at home in the Scottish Cup, and it was only last season that the club achieved a new record by reaching the last 16 in the Scottish Cup whilst giving Pollok a run for their money. Presently the club are pushing for the league championship.

"With all that said and done, it's with a heavy heart that we as a committee, with the backing of the manager, coaching staff and, more importantly, the current playing squad, have signalled our intention to join the successful set-up at the East of Scotland League, starting season 2020/2021.

"We would like to go on record and thank everyone involved at the "juniors" but we feel a time for change is needed and look forward to new challenges, new teams and renewing some old rivalries."

If Rosyth are admitted to the East of Scotland League - the sixth tier of the senior pyramid - they will follow three other former junior sides from West Fife in moving into the professional ranks.

In 2017, Kelty Hearts were the first West Fife side to make the move and, in their maiden season, won the East of Scotland League title before sealing promotion with a play-off victory over South of Scotland League winners Threave Rovers.

Twelve months later, Crossgates Primrose - along with Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts' newly formed senior team - and Oakley United followed their lead and quit the juniors.

In addition to Rosyth, Thornton Hibs and Kennoway Star Hearts have also stated their intention to leave the juniors for the East of Scotland League, who have confirmed that next season will continue to consist of a Premier Division of 16 clubs.

They also said that the First Division, which currently has two conferences, A and B, will "comprise of conferences for one more season, after which a hierarchical structure will be introduced for season 2021-2022."

With 22 games played, Rosyth sit top of the South Premier League, four points clear of Newburgh, who have played two games more.

Third-placed Stoneyburn, who have played four games fewer than Rosyth, are seven points off the leaders with 42.