Hamilton and Motherwell fans give their reaction to the 10-team SPL proposals.

Jan 13 2011 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

RADICAL changes have been proposed to shake-up the SPL and introduce a two-tier top flight organisation with 10 teams in each division.

The proposals also include play-offs, an earlier start to the season and the reintroduction of a winter break. There will also be talks over revenue redistribution and commercial agreements, which will affect all clubs.

We asked some supporters from SPL sides Hamilton Accies and Motherwell what they make of it all.

Hamilton Accies supporter Gilbert Mowat (50) said: “My initial reaction to playing teams four times was one of dread – I think the majority of fans are already scunnered at having to play everyone at least three times.

“I think almost everyone agrees that it would be preferable to have a larger variety of opposition and to expand the top flight to the ambitious First Division clubs – however all of that is just looking at things from an idealistic fan’s perspective.

“I haven’t examined any of the financial details but it seems that to continue with the current set-up is not an option, nor is an expansion of the league.”

Fir Park regular Andy Livingstone (43), son of former Motherwell chairman Ian, said: “I would love the size of the league to get bigger and take some of the pressure off teams, which might allow them to try more youngsters and different things with tactics and formations.

“A 10 team league is an absolute disaster; it didn’t work the last time and only leads to fear amongst clubs. The only beneficiaries are the TV companies and the Old Firm.

“But everything boils down to money and for clubs like Motherwell it’s all about surviving one season to the next and balancing the books. Until the quality of football is improved and the pricing reduced we’re all in trouble.”

Accies Trust treasurer Ian Kelly said: “Under the proposals it would very much suit Accies, from a financial perspective at least, if they go down to the First Division and I would assume that’s why the Hamilton chairman Ronnie MacDonald backs it, because he’s looking after the best interests of the club.

“From a fan’s point of view I know few are in favour of it and most would prefer a bigger league, but we will leave it up to our members to make their thoughts known.”

Motherwell fan David Tonner (40) said: “From my point of view Motherwell have always been good in the SPL, we’ve had European football for the last couple of seasons and relegation issues don’t affect us. We generally finish about sixth or seventh but if the league is reduced to 10 then there is a possibility of us being dragged into that.

“I think the more there is to play for the better it is for all concerned and what would be great would be if somebody other than Rangers or Celtic could win the league.”

Hamilton fan Stephen Shilton (49) said: “I’m against the proposals and think a bigger league is the answer. It’s not just about money, it’s about what is on the park.

“A bigger league makes it more interesting for fans but they seem to be more interested in what TV companies say.

“We as a club bring through a lot of younger players and for me that’s what it’s all about – we wouldn’t have been able to bring through players like James McCarthy and James McArthur in a 10 team league.”

Motherwell Trust member David Fraser (25) said: “I don’t think it’s going to make a difference if it’s a 10 or 16 team SPL and I can see pros and cons of both.

“I would say that if it isn’t broken don’t try to fix it; the problems in Scottish football aren’t connected to the size of the SPL; it’s over-exposed, too expensive for what you get and the overall match-day experience simply isn’t good enough – and certainly not as good as it used to be.”