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Trying to Make A Silk Purse

Last updated : 25 March 2007 By Ed_ScottishFitba

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The possibility of the SPL supporting four leagues rather than one has been raised by the clubs looking to start up SPL2. There is no appetite in the top flight for all of the clubs currently operating under the Scottish Football League. This will mean there is still some reason for the SFL to exist. The recent independent financial report into the management and prospects of the SFL appears to have convinced the majority of lower league clubs that the future of the league structure is bleak. They will want to carry on but will be looking for an organisation that will be willing and able to operate in the new financial climate. The coffers of the SFL will have been boosted by the CIS cup final crowd, despite the absence of the Old Firm. However, their other income streams from sponsorship have all but dried up.

Detailed discussions have already taken place on the idea of an SPL2, but the SPL have made it clear that that is where the breakaways will end. One of the driving forces behind SPL2, Dundee chief executive David MacKinnon, said: "The SPL were asked whether they would support SPL3 and SPL4 as well. However, they explained that, while they were in favour of having a second tier, they weren't there to support two other divisions under their umbrella. Even so, once SPL2 comes into force, we'll ensure that there is still promotion and relegation so that ambitious clubs won't be cut off completely."

MacKinnon also revealed that the SPL, established when they broke away from the SFL in 1982, has thrown its weight behind the new rebel group receiving its share of the annual £1.6m settlement agreement once they quit the SFL for the second tier of the SPL. He said: "At the moment the SFL is claiming that the parachute payment should only go to the 20 clubs who remain with them, but the SPL argue that a third of it should be paid to the SPL2 clubs"

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