SPL future to be decided

The proposed reconstruction of the Scottish Premier League will finally come to a vote in May, according to Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne.

Representatives of all 12 SPL clubs met in Hampden on Monday to discuss a raft of proposals to reshape Scottish football.

Principally, the SPL has tabled plans for a 10-team top-flight that would see two clubs drop down to the Scottish First Division.

Monday’s meeting was originally earmarked as the date of the decisive ballot, but those attending failed to come to a final agreement.

Milne is optimistic of an outcome when the officials reconvene next month, where it is believed clubs in favour of the restructure will fail to gain the necessary backing.

“I think it is still moving in the right direction,” Milne told BBC Scotland.

“There is a bit of work to do. I think there will be a vote sometime in the middle of May.”

“We’re on course to go somewhere. It’s still very much the plan that is on the table.”

Reports in Scotland suggest the SPL will continue lobbying clubs to accept their proposed changes ahead of the next meeting.

The league needs 11 of the 12 clubs to back their reforms in order for the changes to be implemented.

SPL chief Neil Doncaster, who has published a 100-page strategic plan to take Scottish football forward, has put the onus on the clubs to take responsibility for their league.

“If clubs don’t want our proposals, that’s the time for them to put forward alternative plans and new ideas if that’s what people want,” he earlier told BBC Scotland.

“I think there’s a real desire for change – a real need for change – and it’s up to the clubs what that change looks like.”

“The plans will be on the table on the 18th (of April) and what we do with the proposals is entirely up to the clubs to decide.”

“The clubs have the power, we (the SPL) can only put together a plan.”