Neil Doncaster meets fans to talk up ten-team SPL idea

SCOTTISH Premier League chief executive Neil Doncaster has launched a charm offensive designed to win supporters' backing for a ten-team league. Doncaster has held meetings with fans from a number of SPL clubs, including one in Glasgow yesterday which went on for over two hours, in a belated attempt to get them on his side.

Doncaster and SPL chairman Ralph Topping have faced mounting criticism from fans and clubs for their proposal, which would require an 11-1 vote to become policy. At least four clubs remain opposed or deeply sceptical, while a supporters' survey found 88 per cent were against the return to a top ten.

One supporter who met Doncaster this week said he had been impressed by the chief executive's willingness to answer any question put to him - and by his decision to talk directly to fans.

"It's almost a first for Scottish football, to get supporters talking directly with leading officials," the supporter said. "He was very open and answered all questions that were put to him.

"He put forward the case for an SPL of two divisions, each of ten clubs, and explained why he thought it would benefit Scottish football in the long term. He also said that ultimately the SPL would like to end up as a bigger league, probably of 16 teams.

"Obviously he's not sure of getting the 11-1 vote he would need to have it passed, but I can also see why some of the other options that have been suggested would not get the required vote either. He did go through those options and argued why they would never get voted for. He argued that it was either the top-ten proposal or the status quo."

Dundee United, Inverness Caley Thistle and Kilmarnock have all voiced their opposition to the top-ten plan, while Hearts are also unconvinced of its merits. On Thursday, St Mirren and Motherwell, both of whom had been represented on the planning group which came up with the top-ten proposal, said that they were not certain to vote for it either.

"It's vitally important that the organisation is as transparent and accessible as possible," Doncaster told The Scotsman last night. "And it's vital we meet as many key stakeholders in the game as possible, to enable us to hear their views and to explain our views to them. I've enjoyed my meetings with supporters this week and look forward to more meetings next week."