Anderson’s saved lower leagues with his goodwill
STIRLING ALBION chairman Stewart Brown has thanked James Anderson for saving the lower league clubs.
League One and League Two outfits hope to kick off an abridged, 27-game season on October 17.
They will return to competitive action a month earlier in the Betfred Cup, although entry into this season’s competition is set to be made optional.
SPFL bosses are also considering setting up the group games to be played at one hub venue if matches are still going ahead at that time behind closed doors.
Brown admitted he feared for a 2020 start before Anderson came along with his donation of £50,000 to each of the league’s 42 clubs.
The Binos chief said: “James Anderson’s money is hugely helpful and, without it, I believe some clubs would have said, ‘We can’t do this’.
“Thankfully we’re not in that position but we’re still juggling every pound, shilling and penny. It’s no secret that without the £50,000 some clubs would struggle to commence the league season in October.
“I was never concerned clubs would mothball for a season but I was concerned we’d all have to wait until January before we played competitive football again.
“We’ll do everything within our powers to start playing in September in front of our own fans.
“However, if we have to start behind closed doors we will consider playing group matches at a hub venue as it makes better sense financially.”
Brown is peeved at the length of time given over to reconstruction talks and believes it cost the lower leagues a chance to return to action even earlier.
He said: “Reconstruction should never have reared its head after the working group reported back and said there was no appetite.
“It’s put us between six to eight weeks behind the start point.”