Summary
THE split which takes place after this afternoon's SPL matches could yet be the last under the current format. Premierleague secretary Iain Blair last night refused to rule out the possibility that a radical new suggestion made by Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness for a close-season split - which would effectively see this season's top six earn the right to play each other four times next term - could be in operation as early as August.
Blair has been asked to prepare a detailed proposal to put to member clubs on the topic, even if these plans were put on the "back burner" this week as the permutations of this season's actual post- split fixtures were worked through. But, in order for it to be enacted, the new proposal - or perhaps one which would delay the scheme's introduction until the 2005-06 season - would need to win the backing of eight clubs when a vote is held on the idea at the next SPL board meeting at the end of the month. With such a plan seemingly riddled with legal implications to consider - for instance, it appears destined to hand clubs who finish in the bottom six one season a significant advantage in the race for European places the next - the SPL clubs themselves are thought to be "split down the middle" on the issue. Although Rangers are believed to be high profile backers of the scheme, other current top six clubs and in particular Dunfermline and Hearts - currently fighting for a Uefa Cup place - are the plan's sternest opponents. Somewhat incongruously, Wyness believes he has more support amongst other bottom six clubs - even though the plan would deny them one Old Firm visit per season.See the full content of this document
Extract
Spl Won't Rule Out Close-Season Split
It was Dunfermline and Hearts who spoke out against it,...
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