Source: Team_Talk
Well insist change in SPL is vital
The proposed reconstruction of the SPL was discussed again at Hampden on Wednesday amid warnings that the status quo is not an option.[LNB] The 12 clubs debated ideas put forward in SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster's strategy review, which is being run in tandem with former Scottish First Minister Henry McLeish's upcoming report into the professional game.[LNB]No vote on the subject was held but clubs are moving towards a change in league structure and fixture lists in time for next season.[LNB]The debate has been prompted by increasing frustration over performances in Europe, declining attendances and commercial revenues, including television income, and anomalies caused by the league splitting into two after 33 games.[LNB]A 14-team league which retains a split has been mooted along with a 16-strong division, although clubs are unlikely to dilute their television income too much by allowing a significant increase in numbers.[LNB]Motherwell issued a statement after the meeting pledging to listen to the views of their supporters before reaching a final position.[LNB]But the Lanarkshire club will argue for a substantial winter break and an earlier start to the season - possibly in spring.[LNB]The Fir Park board also called for new ideas on the timing of games to maximise attendances and said they were open-minded about league structure, stressing the need to allow ambitious clubs to move up through the ranks.[LNB]Motherwell also appealed for a streamlining of the governance of Scottish football and implored their fellow SPL members to act for the good of the game.[LNB]"We urge all clubs and participants in the debate to act in the long-term interests of the sustainable development of football in Scotland as a whole," a club statement read.[LNB]"While it is tempting to have as our core driver the narrow interests of our own club in the short and medium term - because it makes decisions easier - we believe that such an approach is ultimately to the detriment of all, including Motherwell FC.[LNB]"Scotland is massively underperforming our potential in football both commercially and in sporting terms.[LNB]"As a result we believe that everyone with the future of the game at heart has to conclude that 'no change' is no option."[LNB]Eleven of the 12 clubs have to vote in favour of any changes when a decision is finally made.[LNB]An SPL spokeswoman said: "It's one in a very long, long line of meetings on this subject.[LNB]"There have been many meetings on potential changes over the past year or so.[LNB]"In terms of decisions being made, we are still quite a bit off anything being brought in front of the clubs to vote on.[LNB]"Neil has said previously that he hopes a decision can be made by the end of the calendar year and that's still the timeframe."[LNB]Earlier this week, Rangers chief executive Martin Bain issued a stark warning to his SPL colleagues that Scottish football was in dire need of change.[LNB]He told shareholders at the club's annual general meeting: "I do believe that change will come, but we are probably only at the start of the process.[LNB]"For the overall growth of our national game, there really has to be radical change but the complexities of numerous clubs, stakeholders, governing bodies and our footballing structure make this extremely difficult and challenging.[LNB]"In saying that, there have been many constructive and balanced discussions of late and I fervently hope these will ultimately produce findings and recommendations for radical solutions rather than a tinkering around the edges."[LNB]Bain added: "We must lift up our eyes and think within a European context and how we can further participate or there is a real risk of the reputation of our league diminishing in Europe."[LNB]
