League format change too soon
Bobby Barr pulled things level for East Fife.
EAST Fife chairman Sid Collumbine has backed proposals for a reconstruction of the league set up in Scottish football.
However, the Bayview chief reckons any implementation of a new set-up must wait, and says it would be unfair on clubs to announce a different format for next season while promotion and relegation spots are still being battled out.
The heads of the game in Scotland appear to be pressing on with plans to alter the league format in the country, with a 12-12-18 format apparently favoured.
The two top leagues would then be divided into three divisions of eight as promotion and relegation places are decided.
It’s been suggested that the new format could be in place for the 2013-14 season.
But it hasn’t gone down well with supporters, and Mr Collumbine too reckons it could all be too much, too soon.
The chairman told the Mail: “We are in favour of reconstruction, but not for next year.
“You can’t bring something like this in halfway through a season, when clubs have set their budgets and things like that.
“For some clubs, it would be a waste of a season.
“We don’t know the exact details of how it would affect clubs like us yet, but we’re due to meet again soon and we’ll find out more.
“If the bottom club in the First Division is still going to come down, then you’d be looking at three teams going-up.”
Together
Mr Collumbine added that he feels the SPL and SFL do need to come together.
The 12-12-18 format hasn’t exactly courted favour with most within the game, and Mr Collumbine said he felt it was the wrong model going forward.
“I’m in favour of a 16-team top league,” added the chairman.
“The two leagues of 12 seems to be an SPL 2 through the back door.”
The chairman was talking to the Mail before Saturday’s thrilling 2-2 draw against Brechin City at Bayview.
This weekend, the Fifers travel to Clackmannanshire to face Paul Hartley’s Alloa Athletic.
Midfielder David Muir missed Saturday’s game after picking up a knock during training, but should be fit for the visit into the central belt.
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Thursday 23 May 2013
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