Source: Team_Talk
SPL bosses back Burley kick-off bid
McGhee was one of several Scottish Premier League bosses to back Scotland counterpart George Burley's plea for the season to start a week later than planned to help him prepare for the August 12 World Cup qualifier against Norway.[LNB]The SPL board meet ton Wednesday to discuss postponing the August 8 start date by one week.[LNB]Burley wants six days to prepare for the Oslo clash, which was originally scheduled for August 19 until being rescheduled by FIFA.[LNB]However, reports claim Celtic and Rangers are pressing for the status quo as they fear playing a Champions League qualifier without enough match practice.[LNB]The new format for the competition next season sees a two-legged play-off round taking place in the final two weeks of August.[LNB]But McGhee believes the SPL must take a stand for the sake of Burley's national team.[LNB]The former Scotland striker told Sky Sports News: "I think it would make a huge difference to his preparations and I think we should all be willing to accommodate George and do whatever it takes to help the national team.[LNB]"I think putting the season back by a week is irrelevant in the scheme of things. The national game takes priority.[LNB]"I don't know how the regulations work but the SPL can surely set the rules.[LNB]"If they say it's starting then, then that's when it starts and the Old Firm have to comply."[LNB]Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood agrees everything should be done to help Scotland's cause.[LNB]"I think we have got to help the Scottish international team as much as possible," Calderwood said.[LNB]"At the last meeting we had, I was amazed at how difficult it is setting dates for the league. I was absolutely amazed."[LNB]Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies added: "I think we should do what we can to help the Scottish team.[LNB]"There is a big prize at the end of it and I'm sure common sense will prevail and something will be done to help."[LNB]Inverness boss Terry Butcher, who joined his fellow SPL managers at a Hampden meeting on Wednesday, has a vested interest given his role as Burley's assistant.[LNB]But the former England captain insists the national team must always take priority.[LNB]"Common sense has to prevail," Butcher said. "It's a difficult time of the year because of the Champions League qualifiers and other things.[LNB]"Celtic and Rangers have their own agenda, as do all the other clubs, but the most important thing for me is the national team."[LNB]SPL secretary Iain Blair has claimed the Scottish Football Association originally requested that the season start on August 1 to give Scotland players competitive action before facing Norway, who will be in the middle of their domestic season.[LNB]But he also confirmed the SPL board will discuss the issue on Thursday.[LNB][LNB]
