Next there was undersoil heating, a bizarre ruling considering some SPL clubs don't have it. But this latest idea takes the biscuit, and proves beyond doubt that the SPL don't want to lose any of their clubs, via relegation or other methods.
The move is similar to what happened with Airdrieonians in 2002. They went bust, and were reformed (with no debt) under the tag Airdrie United. They tried being voted into the third division to take up the spot vacated by Airdrieonians and failed. They then bought Clydebank, and took their league position. Result, a debt free Airdrie Football Club. Cost? Bout £200k and dropping down a league!
What the SPL want to do is even stupider. According to the article I read today, the club could go bust, reform under a new name then be voted straight back into the SPL. The SPL clubs would then decide whether to readmit that club or go for a first division club. We all know who they'd chose, don't we?
This seems strange, stupid and unfair on clubs who have managed themselves properly, clubs like ourselves, Partick (who recovered from administration), Clyde, Queen of the South and others. Whats the point in managing ourselves financially when we could just go to the wall and get back in with no cost? Perhaps we shouldn't bother moving the stadium after all.
The downside to this "brilliant" SPL idea is that the folk owed money would get sod all. Apparently SPL clubs collectively owe the Bank of Scotland over £100million. And who sponsor the SPL? Yup, the Bank of Scotland! I can really see them still sponsoring the league if clubs are alowed to do this.
Admittedly it seems this is an attempt to get the banks to accept some other, less drastic option, such as letting clubs take breaks from paying debts. If the SPL clubs are allowed to reform and come back with no penalty, it is an absolute disgrace.
Story source: The Sunday Herald