Players back league reconstruction

Published 28th Apr 2020

Three quarters of SPFL players are in favour of league reconstruction, according to a PFA Scotland survey.

76% of 692 respondents want changes made to the current system, with 79% believing it should start next season.

A 14-14-14 structure was the most popular option, with 60% support. 40% backed an expanded 14-10-10-10.

And 64% of members feel they are not consulted enough by the SPFL and Scottish FA on reconstruction.

The players' union will present the research to the SPFL taskforce, which is exploring a revamp of the leagues after the lower divisions were called early.

"It is the future of the game we play that is being debated, and we feel strongly that our opinion should be taken into consideration," said PFA Scotland chairman and St Johnstone midfielder Liam Craig.

PFA Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart added: "While it is the governing bodies who make the decisions, players' opinions seem to be largely overlooked. We hope the working group will take the players' views into consideration."

It comes as proposals to create a new three-division Scottish league structure are met with major concern by some.

League Two clubs have already agreed between themselves to back plans for three divisions of 14 despite a reconstruction task force being yet to choose a preferred alternative to the status quo for clubs to vote on.

Clyde, who would suddenly find themselves in the bottom division, say the idea "makes no sense'', while fifth-tier champions Brora Rangers and Kelty Hearts have expressed major disappointment as a League Two consensus develops which could deprive them of promotion.

Hearts face relegation from the Premiership if reconstruction does not take place. The SPFL's resolution gives it the authority to end the Premiership early on the same points-per-game basis that condemned second-tier Partick Thistle and League One Stranraer to the drop.