Clubs debate the future of the SPL

The proposed reconstruction of the Scottish Premier League was discussed again at Hampden yesterday amid warnings that the status quo is not an option.

The 12 clubs debated ideas put forward in SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster's strategy review, which is being run in tandem with former Scottish First Minister Henry McLeish's upcoming report into the professional game.

No vote on the subject was held but clubs are moving towards a change in league structure and fixture lists in time for next season.

The debate has been prompted by increasing frustration over performances in Europe, declining attendances and commercial revenues, including television income, and anomalies caused by the league splitting into two after 33 games.

A 14-team league which retains a split has been mooted as has a 16-strong division, although clubs are unlikely to dilute their television income too much by allowing a significant increase in numbers.

Motherwell issued a statement after the meeting pledging to listen to the views of their supporters before reaching a final position. But the Lanarkshire club will argue for a substantial winter break and an earlier start to the season - possibly in spring.

The Fir Park board also called for new ideas on the timing of games to maximise attendances and said they were open-minded about league structure, stressing the need to allow ambitious clubs to move up through the ranks.

Motherwell also appealed for a streamlining of the governance of Scottish football and implored their fellow SPL members to act for the good of the game.

Eleven of the 12 clubs have to vote in favour of any changes when a decision is finally made and an SPL spokeswoman said: "It's one in a very long, long line of meetings on this subject.

"There have been many meetings on potential changes over the past year or so.

"In terms of decisions being made, we are still quite a bit off anything being brought in front of the clubs to vote on."