Source: FOOTYMAD
Big Day For The SPL
The SPL clubs finally meet face to face to discuss the shape of their future. A 10 club league didn't work before - how come it will work now? SPL clubs meet today to discuss plans for wide-ranging reform of Scottish football. The summit was scheduled to take place last month but the meeting was postponed due to the severe weather conditions and they could not figure out how to use tele-conferencing systems. All 12 clubs will now finally have the opportunity to get together and discuss the best way forward for the game when a number of proposals will be on the agenda. Proposals include the introduction of a two-tier SPL, with 10 teams in each division, and changes to the calendar, which could see an earlier start date to the season and a winter break. The proposals are the result of an eight-month process of the Strategic Review Group (SRG), which comprises SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster, SPL chairman Ralph Topping and representatives from Hibs, St Mirren, Motherwell, Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen. The remaining six clubs met with the SPL on Christmas Eve to air their own views. The meeting was described as a "worthwhile session" by Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson. The SRG proposals echo a number of recommendations made by former First Minister Henry McLeish in the final part of his Review of Scottish Football, which was published last month. However, some proposals could be met with opposition from fans, according to a poll of almost 5,000 Scottish supporters by Supporters Direct. The majority of fans were opposed to a 10-team league, with 88% against the idea, while nearly half want a 16-team league and 27% favour 18 teams. The introduction of a winter break and an earlier start to the season was largely met with a positive response, however most felt supporters had not been adequately consulted on the SPL's proposals. When were fans ever fully taken into account when it came to changes. The media will have a bigger influence on how the game is re-shaped with the attractiveness of a TV package to sell being the elephant in the room. Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba.Net
