League Reconstruction 20/21 season

[DukDukGoose]

1 hour ago, San Starko Rover said:

 

Have they started a dossier yet?

Fucking laughable, every team voted for their own interest if Hearts were 11th they’d have voted to end the leagues and been against reconstruction with Budge leading the calls.

 

That's why I didn't have much issue with rangers initially putting the blockers on everything. If we were second I'd hope our club would have pissed and greeted a bit.

They didn't have to go full Sevco though. You should never go full Sevco.

[DA Baracus]

2 hours ago, San Starko Rover said:

Hearts fans calling for boycotts and talking about the maroon pound one Statement away from “Sink us and we’ll sink you” absolute diet **** in every way

And, just like Sevco, they'll do nothing of the sort.

[Zing.]

Ann Budge  She’s tried and failed everything else so it looks like legal advice is next. Also, moaning about self interest influencing teams is gold, I’m sure she’s only ever been acting in the best interest of Scottish Football.

[Falcor Roar]

The baw is burst for us now. We just need to channel our energy towards building a young squad for the future and getting back up with a winning mentality returning. That's been missing for the last 5 years. Release 90% of this loser squad and move on.

The next step for the SPFL should be to assess whether reconstruction of the Championship to 12 teams is possible. 

 

[Aim Here]

2 minutes ago, Falcor Roar said:

The next step for the SPFL should be to assess whether reconstruction of the Championship to 12 teams is possible.

Why would youse need a 12 team Championship? Are you planning on ending up in a relegation slot next year, too?

[Falcor Roar]

3 minutes ago, Aim Here said:

Why would youse need a 12 team Championship? Are you planning on ending up in a relegation slot next year, too?

Only total diddy clubs like Hibernian and Sevco would spend more than a single season in the Championship m8. We'll be back up don't worry.

Edited May 9, 2020 by Falcor Roar

[TonyFerrino]

10 minutes ago, Falcor Roar said:

Only total diddy clubs like Hibernian and Sevco would spend more than a single season in the Championship m8. We'll be back up don't worry.

Youse have certainly had plenty practise.  Another wee special relationship for you.

[Lex]

Ann Budge  She’s tried and failed everything else so it looks like legal advice is next. Also, moaning about self interest influencing teams is gold, I’m sure she’s only ever been acting in the best interest of Scottish Football.

Solid effort from Budge but a bit wordy. Thought it lacked the passionate keyboard smashing rage of Falkirk’s effort yesterday.

More a lingering, subtle seethe. Still a sweet and satisfying read.

Sevco tomorrow please.

[NorthBank]

This is more fun than fitba.

[theoriginalhedge]

Out of interest , when does everyone envisage any actual live fitba to be played ?  That has never even been considered . My guess is well into the year or possibly next year. 

If that's the case, there is a considerable chance that some clubs might not survive , especially as the government are about to reduce furlough payments and maybe stop them altogether. 

 

[PauloPerth]

Ann Budge's statement:

As you can imagine, I am bitterly disappointed, although sadly not surprised, that there is insufficient support from Premiership clubs to expand the top league of Scottish Football to avoid unfairly penalising any club as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the only option available to avoid the unfair treatment of a number of fellow members of the SPFL but it was yesterday dismissed.

Why was expansion of the top league dismissed?

There were a number of reasons offered as to why this could not receive support, including a view stated by a number of club representatives that this was, effectively, a distraction, and all of our efforts needed to be focused on the bigger issue of how we get football back playing as quickly as possible.

Firstly, this is incredibly sanctimonious, suggesting as it does that those of us involved in looking at this issue are failing to recognise what “the real issues” are.  Or perhaps it suggests that we are all incapable of considering more than one challenge at a time. Speaking for myself, I am pretty good at multi-tasking.

Secondly, to say we will look at this question at some point in the future, when we have dealt with the current crisis, is totally missing the point.  The briefing notes accompanying the recent SPFL Resolution stated “We have received several suggestions promoting League restructuring, perhaps around an enlarged 2020/21 Premiership.  Such restructuring might offer the opportunity for relegation for Season 2019/20 to be avoided for all Clubs.” It went on further to state that “…in the event that the resolution proposed to Clubs is approved, your Board is committed to using the months of April and May 2020 to consult over a possible League restructuring in time for Season 2020/21 around an expanded Premiership model.”  The clue is surely in the dates!

The suggestion was also made at yesterday’s meeting that the only reason that this is even being discussed is because it is one of the larger clubs, namely Hearts, that will be affected.  Not only is that statement hugely disrespectful to those other clubs in the same position, it flies in the face of the view expressed by so many that no club, however large or small, should be disproportionately disadvantaged because of this crisis situation. 

I have stated from the outset, and very few clubs disagree, that it is fundamentally wrong that any club should be unfairly penalised by exceptional decisions that have had to be taken to deal with the current crisis. I would stand by that view, regardless of Hearts own position.  I have principles, which govern my behaviour and I could easily take offence at the implication that I am only taking an interest because it is Hearts. This may be how others behave. It is not, however, how I behave!

If something is wrong, it is wrong and we should all be doing our utmost to correct that wrong. To pour more financial hardship on specific clubs, given what we are all going through both now and for the foreseeable future, is both outrageous and shameful.  We should be standing together to help clubs to survive and to save jobs.  This decision simply flies in the face of all of this.

Fundamentally, the main reason clubs are not prepared to consider a restructure is because of the Sky contract.  It is well known that Sky would have to agree to a restructure. Without any discussion with Sky, there is a totally incomprehensible assumption that we would be unable to navigate successfully through any such negotiation.  What does that say about the strength or otherwise of our “partnership”?   Perhaps more tellingly, what does it say about the confidence our clubs have in the ability of the SPFL to negotiate?  The message is clear.  This could be difficult so let’s not bother trying. It’s too risky!

What of the Task Force?

The Task Force was set up as a sub-committee of the Board following the afore-mentioned SPFL resolution, to look at whether a possible restructuring around an expanded top league could avoid relegation.

Over recent weeks, the Task Force has been working diligently and cooperatively to try to reach agreement on how the other Divisions might be structured assuming an enlarged top tier. Much has been said, for example, about the opportunity this might present to remove the current “play everyone 4 times” problem that drives so many supporters away from attending games. When we do return to play we will all need our fans more than ever and this was a genuine opportunity to show that we do listen to them and we do genuinely want to improve the fan experience, thereby encouraging them to come back to our stadiums.  The Task Force was also very aware that SPFL players had voiced their support for reconstruction through a PFA survey, hoping this could be implemented for the start of next season. This was a real chance to make a difference for the better, for so many stakeholders. Alas, another opportunity missed!

While discussions were by no means concluded, there was a genuine optimism that agreement could be reached.  This was fed back to the Premiership clubs at yesterday’s meeting.  No matter what the Task Force was able to agree, however, it was always going to fail if the Premiership Division would not agree to enlarge the top tier.  Yesterday, it was made very clear that a number of clubs were not prepared to do so and nor were they prepared or interested in discussing the matter further. 

While I have no more wish than the next person to waste my time, the total disregard for the members of the Board sub-committee and the efforts they had put in was quite staggering.  I intimated at the start of the meeting that I had prepared a paper, which I planned to send to them following the meeting, which outlined my arguments in writing as to why the Premier Clubs should agree to expand the League.  They were determined, however, to take “a vote” as they didn’t want this topic to carry forward to the next meeting.  This is so appallingly disrespectful to everyone on the Task Force.

In summary:

It goes without saying that all clubs are absolutely entitled to determine their own position as they see fit, taking into account the interests of their individual club and what they perceive to be in the best interests of Scottish Football.  I have no issue whatsoever, with Clubs taking the stand that they believe is right.

I, too, of course, have the same right of opinion and I firmly believe the wrong decision has been taken and for many of the wrong reasons.

There is absolutely no question in my opinion that self-interest played a part in the discussions yesterday, as did previous history. The current decision-makers and influencers comprise a mix of “new faces” and “old faces” in the Premiership meetings.  While this brings lots of positives, it means there is a wide range of experience and understanding in terms of the issues, the people and indeed the politics involved in Scottish Football. We all too often hear people talking about why things won’t work because “We’ve been here before and agreement is impossible”.  If we are ever going to make any meaningful changes to improve Scottish Football, we have to find a way of forgetting what has gone in the past.  We must also stop hiding behind what the current rules say and be prepared to take a pragmatic, fleet-of-foot approach to dealing with change.

Fear has also played a part here.  We are all confronting a huge number of issues and lack of clarity over the future.  Clubs are worried.  They do not want to do anything that might in any way impact a major income stream.  The value of the Sky contract is being held out as being under major threat if any changes to the league are made.  Personally, I do not accept that this is the huge problem it is being assumed to be.

The Task Force had discussed solutions that would have seen no club disproportionately disadvantaged due to the global pandemic, whilst giving all clubs the best chance of survival and improving Scottish Football for players and for supporters, at a time when we are going to need them more than ever. Sadly, any progress made, has now been lost.

 

I had hoped that we could have agreed a sensible, pragmatic approach that would have seen a positive outcome for Scottish Football as a whole. Our objective should have been to stand together to protect each other.  This would have demonstrated genuine leadership for the first time in many weeks.  We are long-overdue a demonstration that those of us in senior positions in Scottish Football are prepared to stand up and be counted, and are prepared to put our heads above the parapet and fight for what is right. Wouldn’t it be good to have some positive news coming out of Scottish Football?

Finally, may I take the opportunity to thank you all for your unwavering commitment to the club and for the messages of support since yesterday’s announcement.

Please also be reassured that while the Premiership has not yet been called, should it be so, with Hearts expelled as a result, we will be taking further advice on what options are open to us and to other clubs in the same position, to formally challenge this outcome.

[PauloPerth]

I get the impression for Ann Budge, 'in summary' is referencing the time of year.

[Ivo den Bieman]

4 minutes ago, theoriginalhedge said:

Out of interest , when does everyone envisage any actual live fitba to be played ?  That has never even been considered . My guess is well into the year or possibly next year. 

If that's the case, there is a considerable chance that some clubs might not survive , especially as the government are about to reduce furlough payments and maybe stop them altogether. 

 

I’ll be very surprised if there’s live sport of any kind until well into next year, sadly. I’m hoping conditions will be in place to have a normal 21/22 but I can see next season being largely fucked by all this.

[C4mmy31]

Sorry but Anne is straw clutching here, she even quoted the SPFL amendment.....

"We have received several suggestions promoting League restructuring, perhaps around an enlarged 2020/21 Premiership.  Such restructuring might offer the opportunity for relegation for Season 2019/20 to be avoided for all Clubs.” 

She appears to be taking the view it was a definite green light for change.

Edited May 9, 2020 by C4mmy31

[AberdeenHibee]

From Hibs.net.  Nail on the head.

Hearts won The Championship in 2014/15 leaving both ourselves and The Rangers behind. St Mirren got relegated from The Premiership. Don't remember Hearts raising the issue of reconstruction then.

The Rangers won The Championship the next season with Dundee United coming down. Hearts were 3rd in The Premiership. Still don't remember them clamoring for league reconstruction.

Of course, in 2016/17, we came up, Hearts were 5th in the Premiership and ICT went down. Complete silence from Budge on reconstruction of the leagues. 

2017/18 - St Mirren up, Partick Thistle and Ross County down, we came 4th, Hearts were 6th and still no mention of reconstruction.

Last season, Ross County up, Dundee down, Hibs 5th, Hearts 6th. Mention of league reconstruction - **** all!

Suddenly, this season Hearts want league reconstruction. Other clubs not so fussy. 

And Budge says that it is the other clubs showing self interest. Aye right.

[DukDukGoose]

8 hours ago, AberdeenHibee said:

From Hibs.net.  Nail on the head.

Hearts won The Championship in 2014/15 leaving both ourselves and The Rangers behind. St Mirren got relegated from The Premiership. Don't remember Hearts raising the issue of reconstruction then.

The Rangers won The Championship the next season with Dundee United coming down. Hearts were 3rd in The Premiership. Still don't remember them clamoring for league reconstruction.

Of course, in 2016/17, we came up, Hearts were 5th in the Premiership and ICT went down. Complete silence from Budge on reconstruction of the leagues. 

2017/18 - St Mirren up, Partick Thistle and Ross County down, we came 4th, Hearts were 6th and still no mention of reconstruction.

Last season, Ross County up, Dundee down, Hibs 5th, Hearts 6th. Mention of league reconstruction - **** all!

Suddenly, this season Hearts want league reconstruction. Other clubs not so fussy. 

And Budge says that it is the other clubs showing self interest. Aye right.

Where that word salad falls apart is that those league seasons were played to a finish.

Agree with the sentiment though. Also to note that if it was Hamilton in 12th then there would be absolutely no word of reconstruction.

[RandomGuy.]

12 hours ago, Zing. said:

Ann Budge  She’s tried and failed everything else so it looks like legal advice is next. Also, moaning about self interest influencing teams is gold, I’m sure she’s only ever been acting in the best interest of Scottish Football.

Based entirely on what journalists are saying, it was Ann Budge herself that fucked over Hearts.

Seemingly chairmen around the country, while having sympathy for Hearts, had absolutely no interest in helping a woman who's spent the past 5 years talking down to them all, including this very years ridiculous "you cant relegate us because of how much money we spent" rant directed at them.

An arrogant, pompous, woman who treated smaller clubs with contempt, who's now expecting them to cut their own income to help her save money.

Edited May 10, 2020 by RandomGuy.

[Guest JTS98]

9 hours ago, AberdeenHibee said:

From Hibs.net.  Nail on the head.

Hearts won The Championship in 2014/15 leaving both ourselves and The Rangers behind. St Mirren got relegated from The Premiership. Don't remember Hearts raising the issue of reconstruction then.

The Rangers won The Championship the next season with Dundee United coming down. Hearts were 3rd in The Premiership. Still don't remember them clamoring for league reconstruction.

Of course, in 2016/17, we came up, Hearts were 5th in the Premiership and ICT went down. Complete silence from Budge on reconstruction of the leagues. 

2017/18 - St Mirren up, Partick Thistle and Ross County down, we came 4th, Hearts were 6th and still no mention of reconstruction.

Last season, Ross County up, Dundee down, Hibs 5th, Hearts 6th. Mention of league reconstruction - **** all!

Suddenly, this season Hearts want league reconstruction. Other clubs not so fussy. 

And Budge says that it is the other clubs showing self interest. Aye right.

Not sure if you're at the wind-up or if you genuinely don't see why a comparison with absolutely none of those seasons is in any way relevant to the current situation.

A bizarre post. Quite worrying someone could read that and conclude that it is 'nail on the head' stuff. It's in no way relevant.

Had any of those season been cut short at almost no notice, however, it would be 'nail on the head'. But it's not.

The person who wrote it does not grasp the nature of Hearts' grievance, and it seems you don't either.

Edited May 10, 2020 by JTS98

[Sparticus]

52 minutes ago, Merkland Red said:

Where that word salad falls apart is that those league seasons were played to a finish.

Agree with the sentiment though. Also to note that if it was Hamilton in 12th then there would be absolutely no word of reconstruction.

This season has been deemed as its been played to a finish though.

Through the democratic vote.

[Guest JTS98]

1 minute ago, Sparticus said:

This season has been deemed as its been played to a finish though.

Through the democratic vote.

Wait a second.

Leaving all other considerations and arguments aside, are you actually saying that you can't understand Hearts making a distinction between:

A) Seasons played to a conclusion as normal.

B) A season unexpectedly cut short.

Just to confirm. Is that what you're actually saying?