Keep open mind on SPL change, says Hearts boss

Published on Tuesday 21 December 2010 14:55

Hearts boss Jim Jefferies is urging the rest of the SPL not to dismiss "radical change", insisting clubs outside the Old Firm can't be blamed for wanting to improve their chances of winning the title.

Jefferies was responding to the possibility of title play-offs being introduced in the top flight in Scottish football and reckons they shouldn't be dismissed out of hand despite opposition from the Old Firm.

Rangers manager Walter Smith and Celtic counterpart Neil Lennon have both come out strongly against the idea, describing it as "nonsense" and "a load of b*****ks" after hearing it could be on the agenda when all 12 top-flight clubs meet to discuss radical reforms in Scottish football early in the new year.

But Jefferies, whose side is challenging the Glasgow giants in the title race this season on the back of a great recent run, says the proposal should be welcomed by the rest of the clubs in the SPL.

"It would be a radical change and a major overhaul but that doesn't mean the idea should be dismissed. I can see arguments on both sides," said the Hearts manager.

"Rangers and Celtic invariably win the league with a bit of a gap to third place and they might feel a bit aggrieved. But, if everybody agrees to it and they know the score before starting the campaign, then fine.

Jefferies said the idea could certainly generate more excitement in the SPL and pointed to the fact it works well in other sports. He added: "I think it happens a lot in rugby league and union, both in England and Scotland, and it certainly gives a better chance of someone else winning the league as it comes down to a cup-tie on the day."