The SPL is in a mess. Where does that leave us?

Those very same people are the men who've run their own clubs into financial peril. The old firm are massively in debt but at least can still finance it, but clubs like Aberdeen, Dunfermline, Hearts, Hibs, Motherwell, to name but five are all clubs that are sailing close to the wind. Some of them have finally addressed their problems and are at least being more prudent now, but our county rivals may well go to the wall if relegated, unless reconstruction or another clubs shortcomings offer them a lifeline.

Why am I interested in anything to do with the last paragraph and where am I going with it? Well for starters the first and second division clubs who've met the criteria for the SPL, or who are in the process of doing so, must surely be involved. I've read articles about possible breakaways involving the old firm and half of the 'group of ten', and possibly some first division teams, presumably the ones I've identified. This of course can't and won't happen, but the only time we're mentioned is as bait to lure the 'greed is good' brigade who've never done our clubs a favour.

Let's be brutally honest. In Scotland there are only two real clubs now. The old firm are truly in a league of their own in every aspect. After that you have the remaining full time clubs with very little between them. But the SPL clubs do nothing for the other full time clubs with the stadia requirements. Hence the main reason for Airdrieonians demise, Raith's demise, St. Mirren's demise, the probable death of a relegated Motherwell,.....

The SPL is boring and the mid season split peculiar as it's only purpose is to slighty reduce the number of games a 12 team league throws up. Most football fans would like to see a 16 team league to bring about some variety and breathing space but the 'beaks' don't. A 30 game domestic season would be damaging financially. A bigger league really would be too meaningless for the bigger teams and a bored TV audience. In essence there really isn't a lot that can be done to repackage Scottish football to save it from this mediocrity.

I would like to offer my viewpoint on what I'd like to see the league look like and why. Firstly I think that all the full time teams with grounds, or in the process of getting them, should be included. It shouldn't be exclusive as there are others who could aspire to it. If you take the 12 SPL clubs, add Airdrie, Falkirk, Ayr, St. Johnstone, St. Mirren, Raith, Clyde and Inverness, you have 20 teams. On the basis you'd like to be playing around 36-38 league games you have only a couple of options. Either one league of 20 playing home and away once, or two leagues of 10. Within two leagues of 10 though you would presume a top league and a 2nd division but I think there could be an alternative. If you seeded the 20 teams on the last seasons league positions you could evenly split the teams into two divisions. After a home and away tie each, the top five from each would play home and away with the bottom five playing off on the same basis. That way all the professional teams get looked after and you have four competitive parts to the season.

For example;

As I said earlier the first half of the season would be a cavalry charge to be in the top league at the split, the second half would be for either the european places or possible relegation from the elite group which is possible as teams like Hamilton, Morton, Dumbarton, Ross Co, could realistically put together a package. Start the second half of the season from 0 points again so that we don't have a 'Season's over in September scenario' and to cut out the quibble about 'easier sections'.

As I see it, and I am only a football fan after all. the advantages would be;