ICT fans' chief - time to boost SPL numbers
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CALEY Thistle supporters firmly believe that the Clydesdale Bank SPL should be increased not decreased to breathe new life into Scottish Football.
Peter Murphy, chairman of the ICT Supporters Trust, told the HN creating a 14-team top-flight would see even more bright young talent breaking into the first-team, plus ease the fear of relegation.
Many suggestions are being kicked around by SPL chiefs, including setting up a new 10-team league, which Caley Thistle’s chairman George Fraser and boss Terry Butcher have slammed the introduction of a British Cup, a winter break and even a mini-tournament in the sunshine of Dubai during the harshest Scottish months.
A poll at the start of the year showed a whopping 90 per cent of Scottish football supporters don’t want a cut-throat 10-team league.
Murphy is all for new ideas being discussed but he feels fans’ views are being largely ignored.
He explained: “The SPL’s Roger Mitchell called me directly earlier in the season after they had the meeting with the club managers and asked me what our opinions were, however I got the feeling he was just paying lip service.
“I made it absolutely clear that our supporters were against a 10-team SPL. Our club have worked hard to develop young players, but a smaller league would increase the chances of relegation and cut down their chances of playing at that level. It may well affect attendances, which is another factor we want to avoid. I didn’t feel there was a Plan B in place and I still don’t think there is and they have already made their mind up.
“I also think it’s important that there is a link between the under-19s and the first-team and if there was an ideal way for that to happen, we would be supportive of this.”
He added: “The SPL say there are problems with finance and that’s why we need to change, but what are those problems. Maybe the clubs have been told, but the fans haven’t. If we are not going to increase the leagues, then we should keep it as it is.”
With Highland neighbours Ross County keen to create a squad this summer capable of competing for the First Division title next season, Murphy is sure the addition of Caley Thistle’s former skipper will help their chances.
He said: “Grant Munro will be a huge asset to Ross County. It would be fantastic for the entire area to have them in the SPL and what a boost it would bring to fans and I’m sure attendances would rise as a result, so good luck to them.”
While a British Cup involving top-flight clubs would bring fresh opposition to Scotland, Murphy feels it’s a non-starter because that would add more games to the season.
