League reform 'unlikely' with two SPL clubs to vote no
Last updated on .From the section Football
Proposals to change Scotland's league structure in time for next season are unlikely to gain enough support for Scottish Premier League approval.
BBC Scotland has learned Ross County and St Mirren plan to vote against the plans, with an 11-1 majority required at SPL level.
Scottish Football League clubs are also assessing the 12-12-18 model.
The set-up would involve the top two divisions splitting into three leagues of eight midway through the season.
Other features of the proposals include a revised financial distribution model and the merging of the SPL and SFL, with the Scottish Football Association having also been heavily involved in the protracted discussions.
But, if SPL clubs do not vote it through, it is likely the current make-up of 12-10-10-10 will continue for next season.
Though both County and St Mirren are keen on some features of the package for change, issues such as the use of Under-21 players in matchday squads and keeping the current voting structure are sticking points.
And top-flight clubs other than the Buddies and County also have misgivings about the proposals.
But Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson believes the 12-12-18 plan is the best way forward for the Scottish game.
"I've put aside a number of my concerns because I think it's the right thing for the greater good of the game so I would urge others to look at that," he told BBC Radio Scotland.
"There's a lot of positive things in there. One league body is important, all-through distribution of funds is important, the pyramid system is very important to the SFA and that's just a few of the big issues that are there.
"If it doesn't happen for next season, that's it finished. It's now or never. If it doesn't happen, it's the status quo.
"We know the gap in wealth is enormous and there [would be] lot of money being given up by the top league to go into the division below and filtered down to other leagues. That won't happen, simple as that.
"We've got an opportunity to improve the game. I think it's got enough of the good things in it to take it forward and vote yes for it."
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First Division of 24
Regional pyramid below including all Highland, East of Scotland, South of Scotland, Juniors (West & East), and invite any amateur teams to join ... around 1000 additional teams.
League Cup with group stage format to start the season off and final played before Christmas.
Scottish Cup with open draw & all teams involved in the first round.
Why can't they put through the bits everyone agrees on (one league body, greater wealth distribution) in the current 12-10-10-10 and keep talking about the size of the leagues?
Saying everyone has to accept it as it stands stinks of blackmail.
You are correct. The current negotiations are not about the improvement of Scottish football. They are about instant cash to survive and egos of the chiefs. That will never produce the correct result. When these fail resignations should follow but they wont.
Two leagues of 20 and 22, four down, three up automatically + play-off winner, 1 club = 1 vote.
Does Stephen Thompson really think we are going to swallow that! I'm sure I can smell something!
It's almost like blackmail or bribery. Change now or your on your own.
Just what is it that is being kept hidden from us.
Answers on a postcard please to:
Mr David Longmuir,
The Scottish Football League,
The National Stadium,
Hampden Park,
Glasgow. G42 9EB.
RIP Maggie - hated by Gerry Adams and Arthur Scargill, can there be any higher praise.
You also have little or no understanding of attendance figures and how badly these have fallen over the years. I watched Falkirk regularly in the late 80's and early 90's and they used to average almost 6000 at Brockville on a regular basis.
They now have a great new stadium, but currently only average around 3000 for most home games. Most other teams have a similar story to tell.
You also seem to be blinkered to any other approach than reliance on TV funding and being permanently under Sky TV's influence. Clubs derived finance in the pre Sky TV era by developing quality youth and selling them on when required. This approach gave clubs the ability to live within their means without relying on unstable funding from sources like Sky, and also helped the national team.