ian1964 10,724 Posted April 15, 2013 Share Posted April 15, 2013 Why Aberdeen joined Celtic in delaying change to the SPL voting structure STV 26 October 2012 10:54 BST At the start of the Scottish season there were numerous pundits hailing Aberdeen as contenders for the freshly marketed second place spot in the SPL. The men from Pittodrie have hinted at meeting these expectations too, with an impressive start to the year that has seen them claim third place in the league on the back of an eleven match unbeaten run. This seems even more impressive when put in context: the club have yet to taste defeat since a 1-0 loss to Celtic on the opening day of the season. This Aberdonian quest to replace Rangers as a top SPL side was evident by the strong squad the club have formed from their firm foundations laid last year. What was less predictable though was to see the Dons get so into character of a top two team that they would adopt the same firm stance on the league voting structure that the Ibrox elite once, understandably, clutched to. With McCoist’s men demoted to the Third Division it seemed that the remaining SPL clubs would finally be able to overthrow the almost tyrannical 11-1 league voting structure that has seen the Old Firm join forces to dismiss any major proposition they didn’t find self-beneficial. It came as a shock to many then, when the revolutionary proposal to decide every proposition with a 9-3 structure was temporarily denied earlier this week. After Celtic predictably vetoed the suggestion, it seemed as though the rest of the league would step up to force the system through. This proved not to be the case, as Aberdeen also emerged in refusal of the scheme. In a move that has been dubbed ‘an embarrassment’ and ‘utterly disgraceful’ on a popular Aberdeen fan’s forum, the club have voiced their concern over the idea in preliminary talks, delaying the move to change the voting structure to the postponed date of November 19. It must be remembered though, that as SPL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster politely reminded us, “very few matters” are presently decided on an 11-1 basis. Doncaster - in a statement that sounded frighteningly similar to a summary of this writer’s weekly five-a-side league results – stated that for Premier League decisions, “the vast majority are 8-4, some are 10-2 and a few are 11-1”. Sure enough, one of the decisions to require the 11-1 margin happens to be any proposed changes to the voting structure. But what are the other issues in this bracket that would make Dons Chairman Stewart Milne so sceptical of transforming the format? It is a common awareness that Aberdeen and Celtic are the two teams in the SPL to disapprove of an enlarged Premier League - due to the financial implementations this development would have upon the division of prize money. However, with league reconstruction requiring a majority of just 10-2 among the top flight clubs, Milne could not directly prevent this from happening by halting the changes to the voting system. Rather, the issues that require a 90% majority in order to amend are, most importantly in this case, to do with financial issues. Although Milne cannot deny a larger Scottish top flight from forming with Celtic as his only ally, by delaying the change to the voting structure he is able to maintain a decisive say in what should happen to the allocation of prize money in the league should a 14 or 16 team division be established. Frustrating, perhaps, for Scottish supporters who wish to see the power of the realm divided through the kingdom, but from Aberdeen Chairman Stewart Milne’s point of view, this decision sees the Dons maintain a controlling factor over the financial future of their league. Whilst the Reds will undoubtedly bear witness to the voting change at some point in the not so distant future, this tactical delay does buy the club some valuable thinking time. Milne will just need to make sure he does not think for so long that the patience of the Pittodrie faithful wears thin. http://sport.stv.tv/blog/196856-why-aberdeen-joined-celtic-in-delaying-change-to-the-spl-voting-structure/ 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davie P 4 Posted April 15, 2013 Share Posted April 15, 2013 Clearly the main issue here is sponsorship and specifically that of a TV deal. It appears that without RFC and in the absence of decent viewing figures, the oft-talked about (but never revealed) 5 year SKY TV deal will end as it was actually for only for one year with a variety of clauses. Ergo, unless the SPL can deliver RFC's involvement (humble pie anyone?) they will have to accept a vastly reduced TV deal (probably from BT) which means already struggling clubs (e.g. Killie, Dundee Utd, Motherwell and Aberdeen) will have to cut costs substantially making them even less than competitive. Is it any wonder the more fiscally secure clubs didn't want to subsidise these chancers? Cue the remaining SPL clubs holding out the olive branch (via the compliant media of course!) Watch this space! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,724 Posted April 15, 2013 Share Posted April 15, 2013 BREAKING NEWS SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster says he won't be resigning despite failure to push through restructuring plans. Doncaster has told BBC Scotland he feels most sorry for First Division clubs who are in a precarious financial position. He also said the current television deals would not be affected by today's decision.. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTP 0 Posted April 15, 2013 Share Posted April 15, 2013 BREAKING NEWS SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster says he will not be resigning despite failure to push through restructuring plans. Doncaster has told BBC Scotland he feels most sorry for First Division clubs who are in a precarious financial position. He also said the current television deals would not be affected by today's decision. Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTP 0 Posted April 15, 2013 Share Posted April 15, 2013 BREAKING NEWS Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor has told BBC Scotland's Heather Dewar that it's "disappointing" a solution could not be found in today's vote on league restructuring; but says he's gone with the desire of his shareholders and fans in voting against the proposals. McGregor admits there were some good concessions made in the meeting at Hampden today - but says that his decision was made with "honesty and integrity". 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darthter 542 Posted April 15, 2013 Share Posted April 15, 2013 The big question now is: Will the 10 SPL teams sit & sulk in the corner throwing evil glances @ St Mirren & County, or will they get back round the table to continue discussions??? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gers4Life 0 Posted April 15, 2013 Share Posted April 15, 2013 Could this be the end and final nail in the coffin for 12-12-18 or are the spl working on a plan B to fuck us over again!! Really if this had went through we'd be the only club in football history who would win their division title and fail to gain promotion!! Let the division 2 adventure begin 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,724 Posted April 15, 2013 Share Posted April 15, 2013 Regan & Doncaster - the definitive list of failures Scottish Football Failures - Continuing the failure to qualify for a major tournament (since 1998) - A slump in our world rankings - Reduction in TV income. Starting from Setanta to last years TV deal - Reduction in sponsorship income - Failure to collaborate and lead Scottish Football through league reconstruction - Stewart Regan lied to foreign refs to get them over here as cover for their Scottish counterparts. The foreign refs were told it was a " ref exchange " between UEFA countries and not the real reason of Scottish refs on strike due to intimidation - European coefficient has plummeted under their stewardship resulting in a loss of a Champions League place with more qualifying rounds needed Presiding over the collapse of Scottish Footballs biggest club - No independent test of suitability for people to own a club - Craig Whyte allowed to buy Rangers - 5 Way Agreement including blackmail to force Rangers to give up titles in return for a playing licence - Ignoring a court decision regarding unfair punishment - Failure to act when Craig Whyte was reported for non-payment of PAYE - The Referees strike Feel free to add the ones missed 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTP 0 Posted April 15, 2013 Share Posted April 15, 2013 BBC Scotland's senior football reporter Chris McLaughlin GET INVOLVED "Never seen Stewart Gilmour look so angry as he made his way to his car. Stewart Milne looked close to tears." Altogether now ........................ (no not that one), but: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH GET IT UP YE !! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aweebluesoandso 290 Posted April 15, 2013 Share Posted April 15, 2013 SFL statement"We believe that positive change for the good of the game can still be achieved, but this will require compromise, and a more flexible approach to some key issues. If all parties agree to this approach and some realistic time frames can be agreed, then the current momentum for positive change need not be lost. "The Board of The Scottish Football League will meet on Thursday to review where we are and a further statement may be appropriate at that time." Clever statement from Longmuir and the SFL, the ball is firmly at the feet of the SFL there's an open goal. No rush needed though. Next season or the season after for league change and without the SPL pulling the strings. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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