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18 team league is the way forward for SPL
By Gary McDaniel
Familiarity breeds contempt is a popular saying and it’s an apt description for the current state of the SPL. For decades our top flight league has moved from a 10 team league to a 12 and back again. Then we had the current madness of the split. During this period there has been the odd cry of a 16 or 18 team league. It has generally been ignored.
Our game has been neglected for years, not just in terms of youth development, but in terms of a league format that works. Attendances are dropping at a rate that makes the Greek economy look healthy. Our broadcast rights, well lets just say we should be thankful to both Sky and ESPN for taking pity on us after the Setanta debacle.
Now the question of increasing the SPL’s league size has been raised again. Previously there has been evidence for this question to be answered with a flat no. Not now. The question is will the smaller teams in the SPL favour it? Will a club like Hibs except two less dates with the old firm coming to town and one less Edinburgh derby at Easter Road? Clubs have to think of mind over money.
Morton dragged into relegation dogfight by resolute Ayr
By Matthew Harold
Greenock Morton got dragged into the relegation dogfight after failing to make their chances pay against Ayr United and ultimately losing by two goals.
The victory sees the Honest Men only two points behind their rivals with a vital game at home to Patrick Thistle, which could see Brian Reid’s men go above their Greenock rivals and leave James Grady’s side in the playoff place.
The Greenock side started the game tremendously well, with both Peter Weatherson and Donovan Simmonds looking a lively forward line early on. Both strikers had tested home keeper Craig Samson out early on, with Weatherson hitting the post, when just inside the area, but they could not find a way by the Ayr number one.
Crussell's journey to Hampden
Join The Away End's Christopher Russell on his comic journey from France to Hampden, in a mad rush to make kick-off for the Macedonia game.
Listen to the official The Away End podcast
Scottish Football's chirpiest podcast; with Andrew Southwick, Craig Forson and Christopher Russell, plus a host of interviews and guests. Also available on itunes.
