League reconstruction plans could yet be agreed upon by a majority of Scotland's 42 clubs in time for next season, despite the Irn-Bru First Division clubs seeming to be set upon splitting from the Scottish Football League and accepting an invitation to join the second tier of an expanded Scottish Premier League.
Some of the clubs who voted against a proposed merger between the two governing bodies are considering changing their stance, which opens a window of opportunity for a consensus change.
After a series of protracted talks, there was an opportunity last week for SFL clubs to indicate how they would vote on the plans to merge with the SPL and introduce play-offs and a fairer wealth distribution model. However, many second and third division clubs harbour concerns about the terms of the merger – believing it to be more of a hostile takeover – and the indicative vote found 16 in favour and 13 against, six short of the majority required to push the proposals through.
The first division clubs immediately declared their intention to seek a form of reconstruction, having already signed a letter of intent to resign from the SFL. Representatives of the second and third division clubs met last night and there may be a softening in the stance of some of them ahead of a special general meeting on June 12 at Hampden.
"Do I think there will be a positive vote? Yes I do," said Derek Sim, the Montrose chairman. "Over the next two weeks there will be a realisation we have to do the best for Scottish football. If the first division clubs were to break away, it would leave 20 clubs in the SFL. That is not good for Scottish football, it is not good for sponsors. We need one body if we are to sell the game, whether it be TV rights, radio rights or to sponsors.
"I have spoken to chairmen. I'm not in a position to say how they will vote. But we discussed the ramifications of not voting favourably. From my own perspective and that of Montrose, I feel more confident that the approval of any resolution would go ahead at a future meeting."
"We had concerns last week that after each SFL meeting some first division chairmen have made media comments to say they will be off if the vote doesn't go in their favour. On reflection some of the chairmen might wish to give some thought to the timing of some of their comments and allow everyone to look at the scenario, consider all the ramifications and then be able to vote without a lot of negativity and regrettable comments."
Stephen Thompson, the Dundee United chairman, is also hopeful that a 42-club solution can be agreed upon before a split that would essentially divide Scottish football into full-time and part-time teams.
"I am still very hopeful that will be in place by the end of June," he said. "There has been a lot going on. It has been pretty clear that the SPL clubs are together on this now and it is up to the SFL clubs what they want to do. All we have done for the last 16, 17 months is talk about stuff other than actual football . . . the product has suffered because of that. Everyone needs to believe it is the right thing for the game. It can still come together and happen."
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