SPL CEO Doncaster Argues 12-12-18 Plan Is Only Way Forward

Scottish Premier League CEO Neil Doncaster has argued that "controversial reconstruction proposals will give fans what they want and that no other plan has a chance of success," according to Gavin McCafferty of the SCOTSMAN. Plans for a 12-12-18 structure, with the top two divisions splitting into three after 22 games, have "failed to capture the imagination of many supporters and have been met with fierce criticism by some."  However, Doncaster stressed a 16-team league was "financially unaffordable" and that there was "not enough support for a 14-team top league." Doncaster warned that the more popular elements of the plan would be "lost if it was rejected." Doncaster said: "Fans tell us they want a single merged league, an all-through and more equitable distribution model, playoffs, a pyramid structure, significantly more relegation and promotion, and more meaningful games" (SCOTSMAN, 2/6).