Source: FOOTYMAD
No Clear Way Forward For SPL
10, 12, 14, 16 18 clubs in the top league? Nobody has found the magic number just yet The 12 current members of the SPL will meet today at Hampden as they struggle to reach consensus on the future structure of the league. Earlier the month the SPL presented plans for two divisions of 10 but pulled the idea of a vote when is was clear that agreement was some way off, with several chairmen and most fans in favour of a larger league. SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster has spent the intervening two weeks bidding to persuade clubs to adopt the official proposals while also challenging sceptical clubs to put forward alternative plans. Dundee United, Kilmarnock and Inverness have publicly expressed their opposition to a 10-team league, while Hearts have not fully endorsed the plans despite "constructive" talks between owner Vladimir Romanov, Doncaster and SPL chairman Ralph Topping in Lithuania last week. St Mirren, one of the six clubs in the review group set up to formulate the plans, have expressed their preference for a 14-team set up while Motherwell are also undecided after the last meeting. Doncaster has also met fans' representatives after a Supporters Direct poll revealed that almost 90% were opposed to a 10-team top flight. Doncaster is looking for agreement on the plans but no formal vote will be taken as previously anticipated. Doncaster said last week: "The meeting on Monday has always been and remains about what the clubs want and what they don't want. Yes, there will be voting on elements or the whole of the plan, but it will only be an in-principle vote. You need a consensus emerging from the meeting, whether you ask people to put their hands in the air or not. Whatever happens on Monday, we'll keep working to try and achieve that consensus." The SPL plans also include provision for play-offs to decide a second relegation place and changes to the calendar to incorporate a July start to the season and a winter break. However, Motherwell chairman John Boyle last week expressed fears that the earlier start to the seaon would be opposed by the Old Firm, who play lucrative friendlies during the summer months. Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is ScottishFitba Net
