BBC Scotland pundit Michael Stewart has been left dismayed by the division in Scottish football this week, feeling clubs need to come together to navigate the current crisis, writing on Twitter.
Stewart isn’t a huge fan of the SPFL’s current proposals because clubs like Hearts and Partick Thistle would be relegated should they pass, something he feels would not be fair.
For the outspoken pundit, reconstruction is a viable way forward in finding a solution that suits all clubs.
Writing on Twitter on Saturday, he said: “I genuinely believe Scottish football is full of well-intentioned good people but the problem on this latest debacle is we’ve lost sight of trying to bring everyone together during this horrendous time. These proposals simply don’t do that. They create division and mistrust.
“What every club wants and needs first and foremost is the prize money, if that isn’t possible because of articles of association or other such things then get the members to vote to change it then give them the money & wait to call the season at a later date.
“If we can’t finish the season for whatever reason then we must do everything in our power to make sure no club is unfairly penalised by cancelling the season, that might involve restructuring and 2 extra clubs coming up.”
Contrary to opinions from pundits like Stewart, clubs such as Ross County have stated that prize money is not the primary concern, but a lack of clarity moving forward that is playing havoc with future plans.
What’s also being ignored through all this is that the vast majority of clubs have come together to seek a conclusion to all this.
A massive 10 or 12 clubs in the top-flight voted to pass the SPFL board’s proposals, with most clubs in the lower leagues also taking that step.
It should be noted that the SPFL have confirmed prize money will be paid out as soon as the season is called.
Yes, it’s a harsh reality for clubs such as Hearts, but frankly, they are bottom of the table on merit and that’s the way football goes, unfortunately.
There appears to be little chance of the 2019/20 being resumed, so decisions have to be made quickly to give business owners the best possible chance to navigate the situation according to their circumstances.
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