Source: FOOTYMAD
The Chief Executive Is Not For Turning
Neil Doncaster does not want to chop and change the season every other year. SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster is standing firm on the decision to start the season on 23 July. He insisted the start date was not that early, when other European leagues are considered, and again reiterated his opposition to summer football. He said: "Going head-to-head with the World Cup or European Championships in June every other year seems to me one of the most damaging things we could do with our domestic league. There are some SPL clubs who have vociferously advocated a much earlier start date than at present - perhaps the beginning of July. Others would prefer us to be in line with the English - and kick off in the middle of August - allowing participation in lucrative pre-season tournaments. What is certain is that the SPL Board simply cannot please all of the clubs all of the time." Doncaster insisted the start date - the earliest in 13 seasons - will avoid a host of midweek fixtures in the depths of winter and also attracted a new television audience. He went on: "While the early start to the season has not seen increases in the numbers of fans choosing to attend Clydesdale Bank Premier League fixtures, it certainly has led to increased interest in our games across the UK. The opening weekend's live televised games saw huge increases in viewer numbers across all three matches."
