SFL clubs to discuss league shake-up

The Scottish Football League’s 30 member clubs will meet tomorrow to discuss proposals for reconstruction to revive the game.

The Scottish Football League’s 30 member clubs will meet tomorrow to discuss proposals for reconstruction to revive the game.

Reconstruction has long been on the agenda of both the SFL and the Scottish Premier League, which is currently in charge of the top tier, but the new proposal reportedly favours one overall league body and three leagues of 16, 10 and 18 teams.

These leagues would be made up of existing SPL clubs, the 30 SFL members plus second teams for Celtic and Rangers.

SFL chief executive David Longmuir said: “The SPL are aware of it. It’s not something new; these talks have been going on for quite a while.

“The content and the substance of the reconstruction proposal is slightly different, but the actual principle of discussing league reconstruction is not a new subject matter.

“We’ve been working with our clubs on ideas and how we might wish to take the game forward and how to improve it.

“Tomorrow’s the first chance they’re going to have to see the detail.

“We’re going to be discussing a proposal that might re-energise and refresh the game and be compelling for fans and create a better structure for the game going forward.”

The timing is due to “a desire to improve Scottish football,” Longmuir insisted.

He added: “It’s as simple as that. And to re-engage fans and to give them a compelling league structure which creates a bit of excitement, variety and also engages with investors, broadcasters and sponsors.”

Following consultation with the SFL’s clubs, including Irn-Bru Third Division side Rangers, Longmuir could then take the proposal to the SPL.

He added: “We’re only consulting with the clubs. They’ve got a chance to question, build on or critique it and that’s exactly what we’re going to do tomorrow.”

The 12 SPL clubs are scheduled to meet on December 3 at their regular general meeting where reconstruction, and possible expansion, is sure to be on the agenda.

Major change currently requires an 11-1 majority but the loss of Rangers has not sparked the expected end to what had been termed by some as the ’Old Firm veto’.

Following the meeting on October 22, SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster suggested the debate on the voting structure would continue on November 19.

On restructuring, he said: “There is a real desire for change within the game.

“There is a public appetite for change, and that is matched by clubs as well.

“So hopefully we can work together to come up with a set of proposals on which we will get a consensus.

“Different clubs have different views about what the ideal format is. I think it’s important on any change that you form a consensus.

“So we’ll be working with all parties within Scottish football, our clubs and obviously the SFA and SFL, to see if we can agree exactly what that consensus should be.”

St Mirren chairman Stewart Gilmour believes there should be one league organisation and favours the introduction of a pyramid system, to enable clubs to join the bottom tier.

The Buddies chief anticipates reaching an agreement over restructuring will be a challenge.

“It will be difficult to get to an agreement,” Gilmour told BBC Scotland.

“You’ll never keep everyone happy. What we’ve got to do is get into a situation where the majority can take everybody with us.

“I know the SFA (Scottish Football Association) had put a date in place to try to make things move.

“I understand why they tried to do that, but one of the stumbling blocks that we have in the SPL is the 11-1 vote.

“It’s something that we are addressing and it has to be addressed.”

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

Ralf Rangnick file photo Austria coach Ralf Rangnick confirms Bayern Munich contact
Tom Cleverley file photo Tom Cleverley appointed head coach of Watford
Chelsea v Manchester United - Premier League - Stamford Bridge Manchester United to fight Premier League’s proposed changes to PSR rules
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited