Scudamore reveals support
13 Feb 2008 - 14:56:28
Chief executive Richard Scudamore claims all 20 Premier League clubs remain supportive of the proposal to play an additional round of matches overseas.
Speaking last week, Scudamore announced plans to introduce an extra game on top of the traditional 38-match league schedule from the 2010/11 season onwards.
However, Premier League clubs and Scudamore himself have come under fire as the additional ten matches involving every top-flight club would be staged in various cities across the world.
But despite fierce criticism from fans and media for the scheme, Scudamore insists he still has the support of the Premier League clubs.
"My shoulders are fairly broad. You take this job knowing it's always going to be an easy ride," he told Sky Sports News.
"You work for the 20 clubs. Most importantly you have to work from your base that surrounds you and is closest to you.
"It's important we have the support of the 20 clubs and we still have the support of the 20 clubs to investigate and look at the proposal and bring it back.
"The media have tried to make up some idea that people are breaking ranks, but everyone is in the same position.
"They want to know answers to some questions. They want to think through some of the implications for the competition.
"They want to know whether the whole thing stacks up and that's exactly where we are, so the clubs are solid.
"We had a good meeting on Tuesday at the professional game board of the Football Association where we explained some more details to our Football League and FA colleagues.
"Because it's the start of the consultation process our professional game colleagues - both Football League and Premier League - were enthusiastic and could see the merits in the proposal, but like all of us need a lot more work to be done."
