Thompson: ‘It will now take years for reform’

DUNDEE United chairman Stephen Thompson last night warned that Scottish football would not get another chance to implement serious reform for years after reconstruction plans were vetoed by St Mirren and Ross County.

United argued the decision saw Scottish football miss a “massive opportunity” to breathe new life into the game, with Thompson saying in a statement: “The proposals would have attracted new sponsors and advertisers and, more importantly, encouraged more fans to attend the exciting and vibrant spectacle we are producing on the park, as was witnessed in the two William Hill Scottish Cup semi finals at the weekend.

“At Dundee United we were not happy with a number of issues in the proposals, but we preferred to look at the undoubted benefits of the overall package for the game as a whole.”

Thompson pointed out it had taken years for clubs to agree a way forward and secure support of “approximately 90 per cent of full time clubs in Scotland”.

“All SPL clubs were given ample opportunity to express any concerns during the many months of consultation,” he said.

“In an attempt to overcome some late concerns, concessions were made on the day with regard to voting of 11-1, but these were not even allowed to be amended; never mind voted on!? Despite all of this, two clubs today decided to vote in a certain way and my belief now is that it will be many years before other proposals backed by so many will reach the table again.”

Celtic released a stement on their website describing the rejection as a “huge missed opportunity for the whole of Scottish football”, while manager Neil Lennon wrote on Twitter: “Disappointing outcome from the SPL meeting today.. seems some people not willing to take the game forward.”

Motherwell, too, said they were “frustrated” and “disappointed” with yesterday’s vote but added that “the club do not subscribe to the view that rejection of this proposal in itself means the beginning of the end of the game in Scotland”.