The 2017/18 IRN-BRU Cup will feature an improved format and increased prize money, in addition to two new participants, the SPFL has announced ahead of the First Round draw next week (Tuesday, 27 June).
The revised format of the IRN-BRU Cup for the season ahead sees a reduction in the number of rounds from seven to six, with the competition kicking off in mid-August and leading up to the Final being played on Saturday 24 or Sunday 25 March, 2018.
While like-for-like prize money comparisons with the 2016/17 IRN-BRU Cup are not possible, as this year’s format involves two additional clubs but one round fewer than last season, the overall amount available for prize money is up by 9%, from £308,000 to £335,200.
In addition, clubs travelling overseas will each receive a £5,000 contribution to their travel costs per overseas game, which is a 25% increase on last season’s figure.
As recently announced, Bray Wanderers and Sligo Rovers will join the 2017/18 IRN-BRU Cup along with the Northern Irish and Welsh teams (Crusaders, Linfield, The New Saints and Gap Connah’s Quay) at the Second Round stage.
The 2017/18 IRN-BRU Cup First Round Draw takes place this coming Tuesday, 27 June at 1pm, streamed live on the SPFL Facebook page, with the 24 ties to be played on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 August.
SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: “Following the success of the new format of the IRN-BRU Cup in its inaugural season, we have worked to further improve the competition for clubs and supporters.
“By increasing prize money, removing one round and introducing more new teams to the competition, we believe this year’s IRN-BRU Cup will be stronger, more competitive and even more exciting. We look forward to the First Round Draw next Tuesday and wish all clubs the very best of luck.”
FIRST ROUND (Tuesday 15 or Wednesday 16 August 2017)
48 clubs broken down as follows:
Regionalised Draw (unseeded)
Draw will take place at 1pm on Tuesday 27 June 2017 and will be streamed live on the SPFL Facebook page.
North Section
6 North Colt Teams / 4 Scottish Highland League Clubs / 14 SPFL Clubs
1 ALLOA ATHLETIC
2 ARBROATH
3 BRECHIN CITY
4 COWDENBEATH
5 DUNDEE UNITED
6 DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC
7 EAST FIFE
8 ELGIN CITY
9 FORFAR ATHLETIC
10 MONTROSE
11 PETERHEAD
12 RAITH ROVERS
13 STENHOUSEMUIR
14 STIRLING ALBION
15 ABERDEEN COLTS
16 DUNDEE COLTS
17 HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN COLTS
18 HIBERNIAN COLTS
19 ROSS COUNTY COLTS
20 ST. JOHNSTONE COLTS
21 BRORA RANGERS
22 BUCKIE THISTLE
23 COVE RANGERS
24 FORMARTINE UNITED
South Section
6 South Colt Teams / 4 Scottish Lowland League Clubs / 14 SPFL Clubs
25 AIRDRIEONIANS
26 ALBION ROVERS
27 ANNAN ATHLETIC
28 AYR UNITED
29 BERWICK RANGERS
30 CLYDE
31 DUMBARTON
32 EDINBURGH CITY
33 LIVINGSTON
34 MORTON
35 QUEEN OF THE SOUTH
36 QUEEN’S PARK
37 ST. MIRREN
38 STRANRAER
39 CELTIC COLTS
40 HAMILTON ACADEMICAL COLTS
41 KILMARNOCK COLTS
42 MOTHERWELL COLTS
43 PARTICK THISTLE COLTS
44 RANGERS COLTS
45 EAST KILBRIDE
46 EAST STIRLINGSHIRE
47 SPARTANS
48 STIRLING UNIVERSITY
SECOND ROUND (Saturday 2 or Sunday 3 September 2017)
32 clubs broken down as follows:
THIRD ROUND (Saturday 7 or Sunday 8 October 2017)
16 winners from the Second Round (8 ties)
QUARTER-FINALS (Saturday 11 or Sunday 12 November 2017)
8 winners from the Third Round (4 ties)
SEMI-FINALS (Saturday 17 or Sunday 18 February 2018)
4 winners from the Quarter-Finals (2 ties)
FINAL (Saturday 24 or Sunday 25 March 2018)
2 winners from the Semi-Finals (1 tie)
