Caley Want 10,000 Seater Rule Absolished

The news comes from Teletext. Caley's chairman, Ken Mackie, claims it does not make sense building 10,000 seater stadiums which will only be filled when the Old Firm come, and sometimes not even when. He feels lowering the criteria would benefit clubs who can't afford the 10,000 seats. Mackie is prepared to take the issue to the Scottish Parliament if the SPl don't reduce the rule.

This seems like a sensible move. Currently, the only teams outside the SFL who meet the criteria are ourselves, St. Johnstone, Raith Rovers, Airdrie United and Queen's Park, and only the first three are in the first division. The SPL are thinking of bringing in an undersoil heating rule as well, meaning only St. Johnstone and Queen's Park could be promoted.

Reducing the rule would help Saints out, as it would mean a smaller new ground could be built, ensuring even more debt was cleared. However, the problem of compensation to clubs who have built their grounds to SPL criteria would probably still be an issue.

personally I feel this is a good idea. I have no problems with the rule being changed during close season. What I do have problems with is teams trying to sneak around the rule, or trying to change it mid season.

Talking of teams not meeting the criteria, Falkirk are proceeding in their bid to try and gain promotion, despite not having a stadium. Hmm.