Taskforce’s league reconstruction plans are already hanging in the balance

The chance of reconstruction in Scottish football going ahead is already hanging in the balance.

Two meetings of the reconstruction taskforce, chaired by Hearts owner Anne Budge and Hamilton Accies’ Les Gray, have already taken place.

Two main proposals have emerged as front-runners for further discussion – but clubs are almost equally split on which way to go.

One idea is to increase the size of the Premiership to 14 teams and have three divisions of 10 below that.

Another plan is to have three divisions of 14 clubs. That would mean no promotion to the SPFL for Lowland League champions, Kelty Hearts, or Brora Rangers, who were declared winners of the Highland League.

The League Two clubs have already decided to vote for the three 14s option.

Any change in the overall number of clubs in the league, or a change in how cash is distributed, needs an 11-1 vote from the Premiership clubs.

That might not be straightforward.

Les Gray, who is also a member of the SPFL board, maintains changes to the league system would be for the general good of the game.

He said: “We are not charged with finding a solution which fixes things for Hearts, Partick Thistle and Stranraer. We are charged with finding a solution that is a remedy to the consequences of Covid-19, but at the same time has a firm eye on all 42 clubs and what is best for football.

“There have been views exchanged in an open, professional manner.

“There isn’t the toxicity that has been claimed.

“The clubs are all trying to do the right thing. Whether they can get to an agreement or not, I don’t know at this stage.

“What we haven’t discussed in the group is the distribution model, and we haven’t gone into depth about temporary or permanent restructuring of it.

“That’s the next stage in the debate.

“There are two methods that appear to be gathering support and momentum, but there’s two or three other suggestions still on the table.”

A third meeting of the 15-strong reconstruction panel should take place at the end of this week.

Gray added: “I’d hope to have a preferred option, and then it’s into the nitty-gritty.

“It will become apparent whether we need to put forward a resolution.

“We will not be putting forward a resolution until everybody has had a full discussion of it.”

Elgin City chairman, Graham Tatters, stated that League Two clubs have already made up their mind on the way ahead.

He said: “We, as League Two, came together under the guidance of Donald Findlay, and have unanimously backed 14-14-14.

“Our football club didn’t want any change at all at the moment because nobody knows in two or three months’ time how many people are going to be around to be involved in that change.

“If the furlough scheme doesn’t go beyond June, I can guarantee that some people are going to fail.

“We have to start thinking as a unit, instead of bun-fighting all the time.

“That’s why I can’t understand why we’re going through this reconstruction.

“There are so many other big things going on at this moment in time.”

It is believed the Premier League in England is in discussions with UK rights holders about how best to broadcast the season’s remaining fixtures as the campaign edges closer to a return behind closed doors

It is six weeks since the English top-flight was suspended in a bid to curb the coronavirus outbreak and talks continue as to when, and if, play can resume.

A return to action in June is being considered and it is understood the Premier League is in discussions over how best to broadcast matches with fans set to be kept out due to social distancing concerns.

A Government spokesman said: “Ministers continue to work with sports governing bodies on how live sporting events can resume in the future. This can only happen once we have passed the five tests for easing social distancing measures.”