SPFL OCTOBER TARGET FOR BETFRED
SCOTLAND’S clubs were last night asked for a show of hands in a bid to get the Betfred Cup up and running in October.
FROM BACK PAGE the SPFL has written to all 42 clubs – as well as Lowland and Highland League champs Kelty Hearts and Brora – to find out how many of them want to take part in the first major cup competition of the new campaign.
The first round group stage had originally been scheduled for this month but the plans had to be scrapped during lockdown.
But last week the top flight secured government approval to kick off as planned on August 1– and SPFL chief Neil Doncaster will now want to nail down an October 6 start date for the rejigged cup campaign.
The lower three tiers hope to get back to business on October 17 and the SPFL want to know which of those will be ready to take part in cup games during the October international break when Scotland face a potential triple-header.
A number of lower league clubs have expressed concern about their ability to survive if forced to play behind closed doors. With no way of knowing if any fans will be allowed into grounds for the proposed first-round Betfred matches, they’ll be allowed to opt out.
But a Hampden source told us: “The feeling is the vast majority of clubs want to be involved. They have all now been asked to declare their positions.
“Only when they have responded will we have a clearer picture but it’s hoped the group games could be completed over five fixture dates during the month of October.”
Meanwhile, Scottish football’s Joint Response Group last night revealed 1055 Covid-19 tests took place last week – and not one came back positive.
In the first week of training, only one Aberdeen player tested positive after 936 tests on players and staff around the top-12 clubs.