A good Read by Richard Wilson

[Smile 26,622]

Desire for change is undeniable but are we any closer to realising it?

Richard Wilson

Sports writer

Friday 8 March 2013

F or all of the lengthy discussions on league reconstruction, only more questions remain.

The Scottish Premier League clubs and their counterparts in the Scottish Football League are due to hold votes later this month on proposals to merge the two bodies, introduce a fairer wealth distribution model and alter the structure of Scottish football. Yet there still remains a lack of clarity.

See our new dossier on league reconstruction - and how you can shape the debate

Right now, no club is even sure exactly what they will be voting on. There is still time to finalise the plans, but that requires dealing with contentious issues. Herald Sport revealed last week that a rule book had been drawn up for the Scottish Professional Football League, but different models to the 12-12-18 set-up continue to be discussed, although the former remains the most likely to be taken forward to any vote.

Some SFL clubs are keen on a 12-12-10-10 structure, but that is a minor negotiation. In truth, the chairmen need to decide if they wish to accept an awkward and unpopular format – with the 12-12 splitting into 8-8-8 midway through the season – in return for initiatives they do want for the game, such as the wealth distribution and more play-offs between the leagues. Money is everything, though.

At the heart of league reconstruction is a need to establish financial stability. The price of relegation from the top tier is debilitating, exposing any clubs with underlying problems – Dunfermline Athletic, for example – to too high a risk, and more healthy clubs, such as Falkirk, to a level of cost-cutting that leaves them relying on a squad of youth prospects.

Yet there are also immediate financial concerns for some top-flight sides. Hearts' circumstances are unique, since the regime of Vladimir Romanov has relied on borrowing heavily from his Lithuanian bank. However, Herald Sport understands that at least two SPL clubs have asked their banks about the consequences of a reduced television deal next season, which might leave them vulnerable.

It was announced last summer that Sky had signed a five-year contract, but it is understood that a clause exists allowing the broadcaster to renegotiate terms based on viewing figures and value for money. With no Old Firm games to sell, clubs may have to adjust their budgets downwards. Without a merger between the two leagues, Rangers' media rights will also be a complication since they will belong to the SFL. Discussions are ongoing, but as of last Saturday, Herald Sport understands that David Longmuir, the SFL chief executive, had still not seen a copy of the SPL's contract with Sky, despite requesting it in January.

There is little likelihood of Sky departing Scottish football. They did come close to doing so last summer only for talks at the highest level to lead to a belated agreement. Sky had been considering bidding for the rights to show France's Ligue 1 in the UK, but those were subsequently bought by ESPN and Sky needs Scottish football to help fill its schedule.

There is no mechanism to return Rangers directly to the top flight but some SPL clubs are open in private about their need to accelerate the process. A 12-12-18 model could result in Rangers following the precedent set by Stranraer, if they win the third division, and so be promoted up to the second tier. This would not restore Old Firm games next season, but Rangers would likely then be in the middle eight post-split and so be facing top-flight sides.

A failure to reach an agreement with the SFL, however, would require the SPL to establish SPL2, and invite teams to join. On that basis, the negotiating power returns to Rangers, who will still be operating under a registration embargo. There are commercial benefits for the Ibrox side in moving up the leagues but competitive disadvantages since only free agents can be signed from September 1, and a marked reluctance among the supporters for the club to be fast-tracked.

Consensus has been hard to establish. Ross County, for instance, are not happy with the 12-12-18 proposal and St Mirren are also not keen. Financial concerns will dictate decisions, though, and Herald Sport also understands that one other SPL club has considered maintaining a small core of full-time professionals but otherwise employing part-time players.

Clubs will also barter over the governance of the unified league. Because the SPL is an incorporated company, it will change its name to the Scottish Professional Football League and the SFL will go out of business. However, many SFL clubs are wary about the new league being run along similar lines to the SPL, in particular the presence of the chief executive Neil Doncaster, who was a divisive figure last summer. It also needs to be clarified which clubs will have a seat on the board, which reintroduces the question of whether or not the interests of part-time community clubs are complimentary to those of full-time teams operating on a different financial plane. It was the tension between those two states that led to the SPL breakaway in the first place.

There are other questions. Why have leading football figures not been consulted on the best model? Many within the game believe two top leagues of 10 are all that Scottish football can accommodate, with the rest of the clubs being small, community organisations. The status of league reconstruction is not yet in disarray, but there are several significant difficulties to overcome. A deal can still be struck, though, since so many clubs need change for its financial windfalls. Brinksmanship will occur along the way and a

[SeparateEntityMyArse 54,134]

Impartial, sensible, relevant and timely. Such writing just won't do.

[Marco Negri's Beard 1,423]

I don't believe it!

Sorry had to get it in before someone else did

[five stars 1,711]

Thats about two decent articles produced by the Scottish sports press in the last year. Well done guys keep up the good work!

[elephants stoned 2,994]

So Longmuir has been waiting 2 maybe 3 months to see the sphells Sky contract? I wonder why Dont sign anything David, stand tall!

[jcb 1,167]

Thats about two decent articles produced by the Scottish sports press in the last year. Well done guys keep up the good work!

Both of them by Richard Wilson in the past week or so it has to be said.

[gogzy 31,195]

A 12-12-18 model could result in Rangers following the precedent set by Stranraer, if they win the third division, and so be promoted up to the second tier. This would not restore Old Firm games next season, but Rangers would likely then be in the middle eight post-split and so be facing top-flight sides.

Said a while back that this is how they will fast track us back into the top flight. And tbh if they were to go ahead with the 12-12-18 the only option IMO would be for us to be moved into the 2nd tier, so i wouldn't even call it being fast tracked.

[scarkev 3,540]

Decent article again....the bit that stands out for me is that David longmuir has still not been given the opportunity to see the tv deal despite asking to see it in January....makes you wonder what they are hiding....we are in a serious mess already, giving more power to these muppets will destroy the game in this country!

[scarkev 3,540]

Double post

[ritchieshearercaldow 22,241]

Aye the big question, why are the SPL reluctant to show the tv deal?

Does the actual deal depend on where Rangers will be in 2 seasons time, is there a side letter?

[Carsons Dog 9,878]

Aye the big question, why are the SPL reluctant to show the tv deal?

Does the actual deal depend on where Rangers will be in 2 seasons time, is there a side letter?

A Liewell/Doncaster fuck up they want to keep under wraps

[Reformation Bear 6,453]

This is shaping up to be a last minute take-it-or-be-bust hobsons choice for clubs that are eligible to vote. The proposition, when it is revealed, will be skewed to suit the active harm merchants of the SPL - a form of sporting bias (integrity being last year's mantra). Conducting the business of working out the best possible structure for Scottish football in a process that lacks any meaningful transparency and any meaningful consultation and any meaningful time for proper consideration reveals it for what it is - an utter shambles that will be designed to suit a limited number of clubs and that will need to be dismantled soon enough and the whole process started again.

If Rangers can get out of this madhouse it should make every effort and more to do so.

[bornabear 6,211]

Their TV contract is either a shambles or it's non - existent.

The present sad state of Scottish football is down to the present governing body and

a new body MUST NOT have likes of Regan, Dungcaster, Liewell, Thompson, Potree etc etc on it.

[Carsons Dog 9,878]

I didn't realise the plans involved the SFL ceasing to exist

That is scandalous and totally unacceptable

[In the know 26]

Quality piece of journalism. Fantastic level of info he's managed to get his hands on and its all correct. SPL need to do a deal with SFL or they and half the SPL clubs go bust with Sky paying even less than last year.

BT's CEO is on Celtics board. I wonder who's going to get the TV contract when the Leagues merges. May be BT per chance?!

Longmuir needs to toughen up and tell em to get stuffed.

[Bad Robot 21,463]

Said a while back that this is how they will fast track us back into the top flight. And tbh if they were to go ahead with the 12-12-18 the only option IMO would be for us to be moved into the 2nd tier, so i wouldn't even call it being fast tracked.

Thought that aswel and iv got to agree as it's the next best thing to a straight jump back in the top division. Scottish football is on it's knees and it needs so radical action and some leadership but I won't hold by breath.

[Carsons Dog 9,878]

BT's CEO is on Celtics board.

Who is that?

[Dutchy 1,200]

The only explanations you get from these people are threats.

Take it or die: Hobsons Choice in a nutshell.

[In the know 26]

British Telecom

[In the know 26]

Ian Livingston (47)

Independent Non-Executive Director

Ian Livingston was appointed to the Board on 1 October 2007 as an independent non-executive director and formally elected by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 19 November 2007. Mr Livingston chairs the Audit Committee.

Mr Livingston is currently Chief Executive of BT Group Plc. He joined BT in 2002 as Group Finance Director, having held a similar post at Dixons Group plc also serving as Chief Executive of BT Retail. Mr Livingston has also previously been a non-executive director of Freeserve plc and Ladbrokes plc. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1987.

[Carsons Dog 9,878]

Ian Livingston (47)

Independent Non-Executive Director

Ian Livingston was appointed to the Board on 1 October 2007 as an independent non-executive director and formally elected by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 19 November 2007. Mr Livingston chairs the Audit Committee.

Mr Livingston is currently Chief Executive of BT Group Plc. He joined BT in 2002 as Group Finance Director, having held a similar post at Dixons Group plc also serving as Chief Executive of BT Retail. Mr Livingston has also previously been a non-executive director of Freeserve plc and Ladbrokes plc. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1987.

Opus Mafia

[Blumhoilann 6,712]

So it could be the SPFL,incorporating all 3 leagues of 12,12,18.No probs with that but their downfall is the nonsense of 3x8 split mid season.Absolute garbage. ...and boycott BT:-)

[ger50champ 300]

Quality piece of journalism. Fantastic level of info he's managed to get his hands on and its all correct. SPL need to do a deal with SFL or they and half the SPL clubs go bust with Sky paying even less than last year.

BT's CEO is on Celtics board. I wonder who's going to get the TV contract when the Leagues merges. May be BT per chance?!

Longmuir needs to toughen up and tell em to get stuffed.

Good shout and totally agree mate but I'd go as far to say its crucial he does or Rangers may be fucked over for a long time to come

[Brackley 1,402]

Desire for change is undeniable but are we any closer to realising it?

Richard Wilson

Sports writer

Friday 8 March 2013

F or all of the lengthy discussions on league reconstruction, only more questions remain.

The Scottish Premier League clubs and their counterparts in the Scottish Football League are due to hold votes later this month on proposals to merge the two bodies, introduce a fairer wealth distribution model and alter the structure of Scottish football. Yet there still remains a lack of clarity.

See our new dossier on league reconstruction - and how you can shape the debate

Right now, no club is even sure exactly what they will be voting on. There is still time to finalise the plans, but that requires dealing with contentious issues. Herald Sport revealed last week that a rule book had been drawn up for the Scottish Professional Football League, but different models to the 12-12-18 set-up continue to be discussed, although the former remains the most likely to be taken forward to any vote.

Some SFL clubs are keen on a 12-12-10-10 structure, but that is a minor negotiation. In truth, the chairmen need to decide if they wish to accept an awkward and unpopular format – with the 12-12 splitting into 8-8-8 midway through the season – in return for initiatives they do want for the game, such as the wealth distribution and more play-offs between the leagues. Money is everything, though.

At the heart of league reconstruction is a need to establish financial stability. The price of relegation from the top tier is debilitating, exposing any clubs with underlying problems – Dunfermline Athletic, for example – to too high a risk, and more healthy clubs, such as Falkirk, to a level of cost-cutting that leaves them relying on a squad of youth prospects.

Yet there are also immediate financial concerns for some top-flight sides. Hearts' circumstances are unique, since the regime of Vladimir Romanov has relied on borrowing heavily from his Lithuanian bank. However, Herald Sport understands that at least two SPL clubs have asked their banks about the consequences of a reduced television deal next season, which might leave them vulnerable.

It was announced last summer that Sky had signed a five-year contract, but it is understood that a clause exists allowing the broadcaster to renegotiate terms based on viewing figures and value for money. With no Old Firm games to sell, clubs may have to adjust their budgets downwards. Without a merger between the two leagues, Rangers' media rights will also be a complication since they will belong to the SFL. Discussions are ongoing, but as of last Saturday, Herald Sport understands that David Longmuir, the SFL chief executive, had still not seen a copy of the SPL's contract with Sky, despite requesting it in January.

There is little likelihood of Sky departing Scottish football. They did come close to doing so last summer only for talks at the highest level to lead to a belated agreement. Sky had been considering bidding for the rights to show France's Ligue 1 in the UK, but those were subsequently bought by ESPN and Sky needs Scottish football to help fill its schedule.

There is no mechanism to return Rangers directly to the top flight but some SPL clubs are open in private about their need to accelerate the process. A 12-12-18 model could result in Rangers following the precedent set by Stranraer, if they win the third division, and so be promoted up to the second tier. This would not restore Old Firm games next season, but Rangers would likely then be in the middle eight post-split and so be facing top-flight sides.

A failure to reach an agreement with the SFL, however, would require the SPL to establish SPL2, and invite teams to join. On that basis, the negotiating power returns to Rangers, who will still be operating under a registration embargo. There are commercial benefits for the Ibrox side in moving up the leagues but competitive disadvantages since only free agents can be signed from September 1, and a marked reluctance among the supporters for the club to be fast-tracked.

Consensus has been hard to establish. Ross County, for instance, are not happy with the 12-12-18 proposal and St Mirren are also not keen. Financial concerns will dictate decisions, though, and Herald Sport also understands that one other SPL club has considered maintaining a small core of full-time professionals but otherwise employing part-time players.

Clubs will also barter over the governance of the unified league. Because the SPL is an incorporated company, it will change its name to the Scottish Professional Football League and the SFL will go out of business. However, many SFL clubs are wary about the new league being run along similar lines to the SPL, in particular the presence of the chief executive Neil Doncaster, who was a divisive figure last summer. It also needs to be clarified which clubs will have a seat on the board, which reintroduces the question of whether or not the interests of part-time community clubs are complimentary to those of full-time teams operating on a different financial plane. It was the tension between those two states that led to the SPL breakaway in the first place.

There are other questions. Why have leading football figures not been consulted on the best model? Many within the game believe two top leagues of 10 are all that Scottish football can accommodate, with the rest of the clubs being small, community organisations. The status of league reconstruction is not yet in disarray, but there are several significant difficulties to overcome. A deal can still be struck, though, since so many clubs need change for its financial windfalls. Brinksmanship will occur along the way and a

Is that correct?

We can only sign frees from September

[PrsosPonytail 170]

Is that correct?

We can only sign frees from September

Well yeah. The transfer window will be shut. Paid for transfers resume in the winter window.