Chairmen to discuss proposal for SPL2

THE formation of a second tier of the Scottish Premierleague will be on the agenda when the country's top-flight clubs meet at Hampden Park today.

Chairmen from the 12 SPL teams will discuss the possibility of creating a two-tier system after First Division clubs revealed plans to break away from the Scottish Football League at the end of last season.

Livingston, Clyde and Hamilton Academical are the driving forces behind the plan to sever ties with the SFL and create a so-called 'SPL2'.

But they are understood to have the backing of the vast majority of First Division clubs, with the exception of newcomers Gretna, who have ambitions of reaching the SPL next season through the traditional method of promotion.

The rebel clubs say they fear for their financial futures if they remain in the SFL, who have so far failed to secure sponsorship for their 30 member clubs after Bell's ended their deal at the end of last season, despite the new campaign already being under way.

And the First Division clubs in favour of change hope that, by attaching themselves to the SPL, they will be able to generate more revenue.

The new division would, in theory, consist of ten clubs who would have to meet strict criteria on stadia, seating, and pitch protection among other things.

Today's SPL meeting will give the top-flight clubs the opportunity to air their views, with league structure pencilled in for discussion.

However, an 11-1 majority vote would be required from the 12 chairmen before any changes to the existing structure - which has been in place since 1998 - would be able to take place. And that could prove to be the biggest stumbling block for the rebel First Division clubs.

Taken from the Scotsman