Source: FOOTYMAD
Not So Broad Agreement
Neil Doncaster may have been stretching things a bit with his feedback on Monday's meeting of SPL clubs on the way ahead. Motherwell are looking to the SPL to provide assurances about the financial compensation that will be available to relegated clubs before committing to a 10-team top flight. The Lanarkshire club made it clear in a statement that they had not agreed to the plans for a 10-12 set-up as discussed at Monday's general meeting. Motherwell were represented on the review group that drew up the initial 10-10 structure proposals, which proved unpopular with several of the 12 SPL clubs. The alternative 14-team league idea looks doomed to failure with only Inverness, Hearts and Kilmarnock backing itA statement from the Motherwell board, who have invited fans to discuss the proposals at Fir Park on Monday, said: "We are acutely aware of the strong media and fan support for a top league of 14. This has been discounted by a number of clubs due to lack of remaining funding for a second league and potential for a number of meaningless games following a split after 26 games. We do agree that proper funding for a second league is key to moving the game forward. We are therefore potentially faced with a stark choice - vote for the 10 and 12 league structure or vote to stay as we are. Our position has been consistent throughout the many months of discussions - we would prefer a larger top league but are willing to discuss and consider alternative structures favoured by other clubs. Turning to the specific proposal being discussed, we along with other clubs have continued to state that we are unhappy with certain aspects of what is being proposed. We are supportive of a number of the proposed changes, including an early July start date and winter break. As (SPL chief executive) Neil Doncaster stated on Monday, he has been asked to further develop a number of areas and return to the clubs with a revised document. Part of this process is focusing on a proper financial safety net for relegated clubs. Once that document is received, the board of directors will fully consider the revised proposal and make a decision." After Monday's meeting, Doncaster announced "broad agreement" for the plans but Inverness manager Terry Butcher has since claimed his club had been "bullied" into the changes. And Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston has vowed to vote against the plans, which need an 11-1 majority to be passed as a package, as they stand. Johnston said: "The plan has been very much shaped by Rangers and Celtic. And it's noticeable that financial modelling for the top division and the voting structure are left aside. If the two biggest clubs will not budge on two big issues it becomes very difficult. The middle table clubs are being asked to take all of the risks. I don't think the proposals are radical enough. If you want to start with a clean sheet of paper then we can have a total redistribution of wealth and have financial fair play throughout a larger group of clubs. We're also ignoring some of the First Division clubs who have been in the SPL. They say they don't want a smaller top tier. They want a bigger league. The way the proposal stands at the moment, I won't vote for it. There would have to be radical alterations before I could find it conscionable. I'd rather stick with what we have at the moment." However, Hamilton chairman Ronnie MacDonald believes the changes will benefit clubs outside the top flight. "(The TV companies) are driving the thrills of the play-offs and I think we have the opportunity to promote what is now the First Division into a really good league. For years the First Division has been undersold and we need a strong second tier. That's where the drive for change comes from." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba.net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba.net)This is Scottish-Fitba.Net
