Re-structuring Scottish Football Vol 3

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We are now approaching, perhaps, the stage where announcements could be made regarding the re-structuring of Scottish football. We have explained, to a great extent, in our previous posts how this situation could be fully resolved, without any major complaints from any interested clubs. We have also suggested specific recommendations and we forwarded such recommendations to the Scottish Football Association.

Whatever the outcome of this re-structuring process is, it needs to consider the benefit of Scottish football as a whole. This would encompass, primarily, in our opinion, the fans, the clubs and the players. Rules must be followed and where necessary, they must be applied purposefully and not pedantically. In the situation where new rules need to be created, such rules must observe the rights of the individual clubs and ensure that benefits could be distributed equally. Above all, the football authorities must ensure that any changes would not be the result of a desire to accommodate one club over the other. The football authorities must not forget that the integrity of the competition solely depends on the fairness of the rules that govern such competition.

Finally, any changes must reflect a desire for expansion and development, both in terms of sporting competition and commercial awareness. A strong product can become attractive, only if it successful and it can be followed. As suggested previously in this blog, the power behind the game is the support given by the fans and we cannot but re-cite the words of the unforgettable Jock Stein: 'football without the fans is nothing.' These are words of wisdom that derive from one's experience and love for the game. We agree and we shall continue to support the fans and the game.

To this effect, we would like to thank all of you for your kind words and support towards our recent proposals for the re-structuring of Scottish football. We cannot of course impose our views on the football authorities, nor do we have an intention to do so. What we could do, however, is to produce assistance and, where appropriate, constructive criticism and ensure that balances and checks are observed and applied. This blog will continue to applaud all honourable attempts to make Scottish football better and equally, will constructively criticise all attempts that have as an aim to by-pass the correct and fair application of the rules.

Dr. Gregory Ioannidis

11 July 2012

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