Fans don't want a 10 team SPL

Last updated : 20 December 2010 By Firparkcorner

Supporters Direct, the umbrella organisation for Trusts all over Scotland, has been running an online poll since the SPL’s intentions became clear.  It will remain open until Wednesday evening here.

Fans who have not yet recorded their views are encouraged to take five minutes to complete the survey.

The results for far indicate that

  • There is strong opposition to the reduction of the top league in Scottish football to only ten teams across all supporters with 88% of fans opposing such a move 
  • 93% of fans feel they have not been adequately consulted over the proposed changes 
  • Fans want a greater voice in the SFA with 87% supporting fan representation in the SFA. 

More than 3,000 surveys have been completed to date and views from clubs across the whole spectrum of Scottish football – from the SPL and SFL through to Junior and non-league clubs are included.

Well_fansSupporters Direct Development Manager James Proctor said: “These findings raise some serious questions for everyone who cares about the future of Scottish football. There is a clear gap between what supporters have been telling us they want and the proposed reforms that are being put forward by some SPL clubs. There is strong opposition to the reduction of the top league to only ten teams and a clear desire for a larger rather than smaller top league. The option for a larger league is clearly one that fans want and should be thoroughly examined.

He added “Without fans there is no professional game and if fans feel that they haven’t been listened to then that can only be bad for Scottish football. The worrying aspect of this study is that more than nine out of ten football fans don’t feel they have been adequately consulted on these proposals. The key to restoring the financial health of the game in Scotland is to put on attractive games that supporters want to watch. Therefore we would urge the SPL, SFA, SFL and others to work with Supporters Direct, its member trusts and fans to help change Scottish football for the better and ensure that we have make the right changes to help create a modern structure with clubs fit for the future and where our game can flourish”.

The full interim results are available here.