Uilleam 5,948 Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 The SFAand SPFLLtd now propose that fixtures be played at neutral "hubs". As far as I can see, this, surprisingly, does not extend to playing out the current Premier League to a conclusion, but is a cunning plan, based substantially on someone else's ideas for the EPL, to allow 20/21 season to commence in August. There seems to be no -em, what's the word?- appetite to conclude the current season on the field of play. I wonder what SKY and BT, et alia, will make of it? As for "Regional Hubs", does anyone dare guess the likely locations? Does anyone dare suggest that these stadia will require judicious makeovers and upgradings ? Does anyone dare hazard who will pay for these improvements? FOOTBALL Football may come back in neutral ‘hubs’ Paul Forsyth Friday May 15 2020, 12.01am, The Times Football Matches could be restricted to a few select venues https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/scotland/football-may-come-back-in-neutral-hubs-2z0dp0d50 Scottish football could return to competitive action at a network of regional “hub” stadiums in which multiple matches, attended by supporters, are staged over the course of a weekend. The joint response group, set up to explore how and when the Scottish game can safely resume, confirmed yesterday that its six sub-groups were considering a plan to restrict matches to a few selected venues. Potentially hub stadiums could host fixtures across all the divisions. The proposal, which echoes plans in England to conclude this season at a series of neutral grounds, would allow Scottish football to emerge from the shutdown in a safe, controlled environment, with resources centralised. It would enable the game to more easily meet government guidelines on hygiene, testing and social distancing. Artificial pitches that withstood repeated use would be advantageous, as would all-seater grounds in which the separation of a limited number of fans could be better controlled. While there was no indication last night as to which venues would be selected as hubs, the idea is to identify one each in those regions of Scotland that are served by a high concentration of clubs. The sub-groups are to report back with their findings in a fortnight. It comes two days after the SPFL chairman, Murdoch MacLennan, said that Scottish football should do “everything humanly possible” to facilitate its return by the end of July. Neil Doncaster, its chief executive, pointed out that the 2020-21 Betfred Cup was scheduled to start on the second weekend of that month. With the 2019-20 Premiership campaign expected to be declared over in the days ahead, the start of the new league season is pencilled in for the first weekend of August. That will signal the start of a new five-year TV deal with Sky, understood to be worth around £160 million Any change to the framework of weekly matches would need to be approved by broadcasters. In England, the proposed use of neutral venues as a way to complete the Premier League season has proved controversial. Many clubs are reluctant to concede home advantage and there are concerns that denying entry to supporters would only encourage many to gather outside. The joint response group, set up by the Scottish FA and the SPFL, is striving for a solution that takes into consideration the Scottish game’s dependence on gate receipts. Live streaming, closed-doors games and a hybrid in which matches are watched by limited crowds are all being discussed. The sub-groups cover six key areas: medical, club and stadium operations, club and supporter welfare, broadcast and innovation, regulation, and grassroots. Rod Petrie, the SFA president and chair of the response group, said: “I would like to thank the sub-groups for the dutiful way in which they have embraced the challenges and responsibilities placed before them in finding a viable plan to restart Scottish football.” He added that any solution would be “based on sound medical advice”. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
der Berliner 3,747 Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 (edited) Just out of interest ... why had all lower leagues stop to plan this and call it a day, when the Premiership can do the above? Or did the Premiership teams get no end-of-season money thus far? Edited May 15, 2020 by der Berliner 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
the gunslinger 3,366 Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 1 hour ago, RANGERRAB said: So if yahoos get awarded title who gets SC ? looking at the 4 semi-finalists, hibz & Aberdeen have needed replays so far. Yahoos have conceded one goal but hearts won their SC ties without conceding. Do hearts win SC ? the league must be cancelled and the trophy handed out. The Scottish cup on the other hand must complete no matter when. It's like celtc make all the decisions. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacK1950 2,378 Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 1 hour ago, the gunslinger said: It's like celtc make all the decisions. It has been for years under Liewell. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,724 Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
barca72 440 Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 Maybe Liewell doesn't have as much power as has been attributed to him. ? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
der Berliner 3,747 Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 It is more like letting some water flow down the Clyde ... 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo79 15,294 Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 I suspect they'll just be taking longer to ensure there are no irregularities in the paperwork. Dotting and crossing letters takes longer when you know people will be scrutinising everything you have done. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacK1950 2,378 Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 (edited) 40 minutes ago, Gonzo79 said: I suspect they'll just be taking longer to ensure there are no irregularities in the paperwork. Dotting and crossing letters takes longer when you know people will be scrutinising everything you have done. Think a lot of the 10 million has a lot to do with it,maybe Liewell is crowdfunding for it. Edited May 15, 2020 by MacK1950 correction 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill 13,717 Posted May 15, 2020 Share Posted May 15, 2020 50 minutes ago, der Berliner said: It is more like letting some water flow down the Clyde ... Exactly right 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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