The second stage of the McLeish revew of Scottish football will be published tomorrow. Although it is separate from the proposals of the Scottish Premier League’s Working Group to be discussed next Monday, the former first minister’s report will inevitably overlap with their recommendations to some extent. The world of Scottish football is not that large, even if it spawns three distinct governing bodies, and he has spoken to th
The second stage of the McLeish revew of Scottish football will be published tomorrow. Although it is separate from the proposals of the Scottish Premier League’s Working Group to be discussed next Monday, the former first minister’s report will inevitably overlap with their recommendations to some extent. The world of Scottish football is not that large, even if it spawns three distinct governing bodies, and he has spoken to the same people by and large as the SPL.
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the SPL proposals is the creation of two top leagues of ten clubs each, SPL1 and SPL2. Big clubs like Celtic and Rangers are happy with it, but smaller SPL clubs like Kilmarnock and Hamilton Academicals don’t like. It reduces their chances of being in the top flight and having lucrative home matches with Celtic and Rangers. Killy boss Mixu Paatelainen would like to see a bigger league, possibly with 16 or 18 teams.
It is proposed to introduce regionalised leagues at a lower level to save travelling costs. Arbroath chairman John Christison fears that it would be the death knell for his club. He thinks there would be less appeal to sponsors.
Annan Athletic have enjoyed being part of a national set up since they replaced Gretna in the Scottish Football League thee years ago. However, travelling to Elgin when one adds in an overnight stay and meals costs about £3,000. They could expect bigger crowds against the likes of Stranraer and Ayr United.
Exactly where the regional divide would fall is an interesting question. Clubs are relatively thin on the ground in the south of Scotland and include Berwick, a border town which for a long time had an independent status but is officially in England (a favourite quiz question). Ross County in Dingwall is the most northerly club in the SFL system. However, the bulk of clubs are concentrated in the central belt of Scotland,