Source: FOOTYMAD
The 10 team SPL is dead, long live the 14!
It looks like common sense has prevailed and the SPL strategy Group's proposal for a ten team league will not succeed. A meeting of eight of the top flight clubs has agreed to investigate a division of fourteen teams. The BBC quotes John Yorkston, chairman of SPL new boys Dundermline, saying "There was a unanimous decision in favour of re-investigating a league of 14. A 14 reflects the wishes of the fans and would allow the development of players without the fear factor. "The SPL have been notified of this and we'll see how things move forward. I think it's safe to say that, after today's discussions, a league of 10 is now dead." The report claims that Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen and Hibernian were not present. That suggests that Motherwell, part of the Group that developed the reconstruction proposals, have aligned themselves with opponents of the smaller league. Fans’ groups all over Scotland will be delighted that their long campaign to resist the return to a smaller top division has won the day. It has been clear for months that supporters have been angered by the lack of consultation as the new plans evolved. At last the wishes of the TV companies has not had the final say and football has taken a first step in reclaiming the game. There are many ideas in the Strategy Group’s paper that have wide support. A winter break and an earlier start to the season can still be introduced.. In and enlarged league there is no reason why end of season play offs cannot be introduced. A 14 team set up would probably have a split after 26 games and then a top six and bottom eight would finish the season. There would be 36 games for those in the top section while the bottom eight would have 40 games before the play offs. All we need now is agreement on clubs splitting gate money and more sensible prices at the turnstiles!
