BY DARREN JOHNSTONE @CCP_Sport
Falkirk chairman Doug Henderson has called for Scottish football to introduce a 16-team top-flight to replace the current ‘out-dated’ structure.
Henderson made the comments at the Bairns’ Annual General Meeting yesterday, where he also told shareholders that the club was on a solid financial footing.
Henderson said: “Our league structure is out of kilter with the economics of football in Scotland and I believe that my counterpart chairmen recognise what we have currently is outdated.
“Reflecting economic reality and the need for Premiership full-time football, I believe that we must put vested interest aside and reform our leagues bringing about a 16 league Premiership.
“Next summer, Scottish Football concludes its three-year deal linked to the play-offs.
“This is an opportunity for us all who love the sport to make sensible restructuring changes which can help to lay a strong foundation for the future, protecting the maximum number of full-time clubs and securing a sustainable platform for growth in our national sport.”
Henderson also doubted whether a restructure of the current League Cup would work.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster revealed in August that group stages were being considered under plans for a revamp.
Henderson, whose Falkirk side are currently third in the Championship and on course to seal a play-off place, added: “There are suggestions that the League Cup should be restructured.
“But I don’t believe that a sectional League Cup would be attractive to supporters – unless the leagues themselves are restructured.”
