'A lot of sense', 'Height of arrogance' - Scottish football fans react to Hearts chief's league reconstruction proposals

Scottish football fans expressed their view on Ann Budge’s league reconstruction plans
Ann Budge's league reconstruction plans have got Scottish football fans talking. Picture: SNSAnn Budge's league reconstruction plans have got Scottish football fans talking. Picture: SNS
Ann Budge's league reconstruction plans have got Scottish football fans talking. Picture: SNS

@euangtaylor: “I think Hearts’ reconstruction proposal is a good idea, but it has been explained in such a way as to ensure it doesn’t get approved.”

@HeartsRant: “If the #BudgeProposal is canned then there are serious questions to be asked about the ruinous agendas at play within the game. 14/14/14 protects clubs, rights the unjust expulsions and adds fresh impetus to our game at a crucial time. HMFC are making incredible concessions too. This seems like a fair, pragmatic offer to members and there seems to be a groundswell of support. And yet you can already imagine an imminent rejection from clubs. In that event, this club will survive but I don’t think the SPFL would in its current form. Unhealable wounds. The most interesting aspect of this offer is the proposal to allow our stadium to be used without payment; other than covering our costs. There is no better equipped stadium in Scotland to do this. We have 2 tunnels after all, and 2 pairs of changing rooms.”

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@grahamb2105: “Would vote against this purely as a result of the line the Premiership needs Hearts more than the Championship! I think that’s the wrong way round and Hearts need the Premiership more...”

@richardwinton: “A lot of sense in her plan. But the ‘how dare you relegate us’ tone is surely going to do more harm than good?”

Robert Sturrock: “Think Hertz need the Premiership more than the Championship not the other way round. Some say it's not fair Life isn't fair. If it was any other team bottom we would not be reading this rubbish she is trying to save a club she has mismanaged.”

Bryan Allan: “This has always seemed the most sensible option to me. It’ll be the likes of Cove Rangers and Edinburgh City that will be against it as they would’ve been promoted out of the bottom tier, only to find themselves back in the bottom tier. Hopefully however, they see it as being in the third tier as opposed to the fourth tier like this season.”

Ian McKernan: “Her comment about the Premiership needing Hearts more than the Championship does will not go down well…”

Allan Anderson: “Can’t argue with her logic, really well laid out plan here’s hoping the rest of clubs don’t shoot it down we will then have to take parachute payments and think about legal action.”

@birkiegary: “I see Anne Budge is back rubbing all of Scottish football up the wrong way on a plan that primarily protects her own club. Inspired.”

@craig_killie: “Real "Sink us and we'll sink you" vibes here from the highly successful businesswoman.”

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@Mixu99: “Terrible proposal. What has she been doing? How can any clubs vote for that. Less money, more meaningless games, stronger rival (he admits how strong they might be). @HibernianFC how can you even consider voting for this?”

@Willatkinson10: “Should be at least 16 in top flight. Better for all and with just 14 only looks like Budge trying to save Hearts and nothing else. League needs serious reconstruction, not tinkering around the edges. Is Budge really best qualified for this role?”

@GaryHam1974: “So Cove remain in bottom league? They win promotion and don’t get promoted! Forfar, Clyde, Peterhead comfortably finish just below mid table in League One and now find themselves one bad season away from being in lowland leagues?! That’s fair right enough Ann.”

@StKyleB1: “If @StJohnstone even think about backing this absolute shambles, I’ll not be best pleased.”

@johnham666: “Stopped reading at the Premiership needs Hearts more than the championship does. Absolute drivel.”

@jamiebeatson: “It actually uses that phrase. The height of arrogance.”

@thelionbrand: “That will save the game in Scotland..... no wait, it will only save hearts. Self interest will kill our game. Get this binned and be brave and introduce proper reform for our game. This is the perfect time to rip it up and start all over again.”

@TheGlenLoyal: “So bottom 8 clubs are expected to play 40 games plus playoffs, 2 cup competitions (and possibly finish SC this year) with a later start date than normal and season ending earlier due to Euro 21 oh and accept less prize/TV money. Sounds like a plan.”

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@ABP2GoldCups: “Get in the bin. Why should teams in league one who finished 8th go into the bottom league. More nonsense from Budge.”

@GraemeMcV: “In short, the Premiership needs Hearts more than the Championship does - feel these comments likely to antagonise many clubs and undermine a lot of the good points she makes . Does strike me, why isn’t SPFL taking the lead on the financial issues as the real elephant in the room.”

@Brian_Robinson4: “It has to be permanent. Why would any team who is normally at risk of relegation, vote for a system where in 2 years time more teams will get relegated, increasing there chance of getting relegated. All to stop Hearts going down?”