SPL to embrace report findings

The Scottish Premier League said it will work towards realising the proposals suggested by the McLeish report into the state of the game.

Henry McLeish, a former Scottish First Minister, was commissioned in May 2009 by Scottish Football Association president George Peat to conduct a thorough review into football in the country and propose ways to strengthen the game.

Among the proposals puts forward are the introduction of a two-tiered top level of the Premier League with 10 teams in each division.

He also called for the reintroduction of a winter break, an earlier start to the season, regionalised lower leagues and the merging of the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish Football Association into one governing body.

In a statement, the SPL said it would work toward making the suggestions a reality for the greater good of Scottish football.

“The SPL recognises the need for fundamental change in Scottish football and supports the broad thrust of the recommendations put forward by Henry McLeish,” the statement said.

“We are very keen to work with all bodies in the game to push forward with these recommendations and to help deliver needed and necessary change for the benefit of football and its many supporters in Scotland.”