Ann Budge has released a statement on behalf of Heart of Midlothian FC addressing concerns in which the SPFL are handling the current situation as well as assuring supporters that she is committed to exploring every possible avenue.
The 72-year-old said that Hearts being relegated, as the current resolution appears to condemn the Jambos to, would result in a £3m loss next year for the Edinburgh club. Budge attacked the accountability and transparency of the SPFL whilst leaving alone the bitter dispute between Rangers and the league.
The Jambos voted ‘No’ to the SPFL resolution and detailed their reasons why in a statement – see here. However,
The fourth point in her detailed response suggested that the Jambos would be launching a bid to put league restructuring on the table, a move that would potentially remove relegation this season. This would result in two teams being promoted from the Championship. Dundee United would go up as Championship winners
“The final point from my last statement, on which I wish to update you, is the question of whether League reconstruction is being, or should be, considered in time for 2020/21. It was confirmed over the past few days that if the Resolution was approved, the Board would be prepared to consult with Clubs on League reconstruction. It was also intimated that they thought the chance of reaching agreement was very slim.
“Given that the Resolution is not yet approved and given that time is marching on, I can confirm that Hearts, either alone or in conjunction with other Clubs, will be proposing a Temporary Adjustment to the Leagues, aimed at bringing matters to a close in a manner that ensures no Club is financially penalised as a consequence of these exceptional circumstances.”
Yesterday, we speculated that Dundee may break their silence to announce plans to restructure the league. However, it was the Hearts that broke cover to announce that they would be pushing forward to have reconstruction – with or without the help of other clubs.
Hearts would be keen to restructure to avoid relegation, Dundee want the shot at a play-off – which is the same as Inverness CT. But looking down the leagues, each of those that voted down the claims could be appeased with a vote on restructuring.
Partick Thistle, who have a game in hand on Queen of the South who are two points ahead of them, would be happy knowing that they have survived the drop and would be able to build for next season knowing they were plying their trade in the Championship and not in League 1. East Fife cited the relegation of the Thistle from the Championship and Stranraer from League 1 as the reasons for them rejecting the proposal. This speaks volumes for the feeling at other clubs, they are looking out for each other which is to be commended.
Meanwhile Falkirk, who are a point behind Raith Rovers in League 1, would be more likely to change their vote in order to get promotion back to the Championship. Whilst Brechin City would also remain in League 2 for the time being.
The new 14-team top flight would allow for teams to play each other twice then splitting into a top six and bottom eight who play each other a further twice. Which is the preferred option as Sky have four Celtic-Rangers games in their contract which starts next season (2020-21).
This would surely allow for a vote proposed by the SPFL to be passed despite the rumblings from Rangers, who are clearly only concerned with themselves. This new proposal from Budge could result in Celtic all but sealing 9IAR.
The preference of the Celtic support is to complete the games for this season when it is safe to return. However, as it is in the best interest of the financial security of the SPFL, clubs should be given their prize money and not punished as the current proposal would by relegating teams.
I think all in what has become the circus of Scottish football can agree that relegating a club under these circumstances is incredibly harsh and needs to be reviewed. These same, levelheaded people would agree that not awarding a league title to a team that have been top of the league for the vast majority of a season should be crowned winners.
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