Scottish Football League clubs are ready to veto Scottish Premier League proposals for league reconstruction "in favour of introducing four leagues of 12-12-10-10 when they gather at Hampden" on Thursday, according to Gordon Parks of the Scotland DAILY RECORD. The SPL unanimously "agreed to the 12-12-18 league structure." However, top-flight chairmen will now "give their backing to the growing number of lower league clubs." The lower-tier clubs "want to ditch the three-tier motion" in favor of their own expanded format, which would see two further clubs "added to the senior ranks." A 12-12-10-10 format "is thought to be more palatable for bottom-rung clubs," which find an 18-team basement unattractive. East Stirling Chair Tony Ford insisted that there is "plenty of talking to be done" before they get close to a 75% majority vote "needed for any reconstruction plans to be implemented." Stirling said, "We suspect there will be a few more plans put on the table. We don’t like the league of 18 which is clearly too big." East Fife Chair Sid Collumbine Tuesday night categorically stated that his club "will not vote for any changes." Collumbine said: "We are in favour of reconstruction but not in time for next year" (DAILY RECORD, 1/30).
ST. MIRREN SPLIT: In Edinburgh, Craig Stewart reported St. Mirren Chair Stewart Gilmour has admitted that his own board is "split on league reconstruction plans" and needs more details before "formally voting for a 12-12-18 structure." In a statement, Gilmour said: "I would wish to clarify that contrary to some media reports, no formal vote was taken although the clubs have agreed unanimously to take this proposal forward to the SFL. We as a club and many other clubs will not vote until we know exactly what is on the table in front of us" (SCOTSMAN, 1/30).
