Charles Green: why did SPL clubs not take a formal vote?

Monday 28 January 2013

Rangers chief executive Charles Green has questioned why Scottish Premier League clubs did not vote on reconstruction plans today despite reaching a consensus.

SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster revealed clubs had given their "unanimous backing" to plans for a 12-12-18 structure that would see the body merge with the Scottish Football League, but no formal vote was held.

SFL clubs meet on Thursday to discuss the plans, which would also see an extended play-off system between the top two flights, a pyramid structure and fairer distribution of wealth. See our new dossier on league reconstruction - and how you can shape the debate

Rangers do not get a vote though as they joined the SFL as associate members in the summer, with a 75% majority needed to approve the proposals. In a statement, Green said: "Because of Rangers' position I can do little more than watch this scramble to reconstruct Scottish football with interest, and also bewilderment. "I have to wait until more detail of today's meetings at Hampden emerges but I must say I fail to understand why the SPL didn't move to a vote on their 12-12-18 structure. "After all, SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster is telling everyone agreement was unanimous. So why the delay? "Might it have been too big a risk to put the format to a vote today? "The SFL clubs meet on Thursday and there has to be the concern that if they don't vote or arrive at any concrete solution then Scottish football could be back in the same situation which caused so much trauma last summer. "What we don't need is a repeat of that, when one group would meet but do nothing hoping the other lot would make a decision. "This is far too important an issue for it to be knocked back and forth but I really do wonder if all 12 clubs are happy with today's outcome. "I'm not so sure that is the case but hopefully we will get to the end of this in a proper and coherent manner. "And that should also mean every effort is taken to avoid trampling fair play in the stampede to bring in something new just for the sake of it." Rangers are unhappy that they might still be in the bottom tier next season if the game moves from four divisions to three, although their expected move up to the top flight would not be delayed. Green said: "Clubs have been playing from the start of this season believing they'd be rewarded for success through promotion and that should remain the case. "But of course I cannot represent my club at any of the meetings or have a say in league reconstruction so all I can do is hope the morally correct decisions will be made. All clubs, Rangers included, deserve that much at least."

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Charles Green: why did SPL clubs not take a formal vote?

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