STATE OF PLAY I fear American dream could turn into nightmare for our game
McLeish wary over review with four of five clubs pushing for SPFL change US backed
HENRY McLEISH insists a major review of Scottish football’s finances and structure must be conducted to nurse the game through the aftermath of its post-pandemic crisis.
But the former First Minister fears the plan by five clubs to examine a boost to earning potential, through an investigation spearheaded by Deloitte, may serve only a select few.
McLeish is adamant any mission should embrace the needs of clubs at all levels – many of whom below the Premiership, he stresses, are “in dire straits” following the last 18 months.
Aberdeen, Dundee, Dundee United, Hearts and Hibs have linked arms to advance on a venture aimed at increasing annual distribution from £27million to £50m.
Among other things, they will explore the value of sponsorships, partnerships and media deals.
The move comes after Rangers chief executive Stewart Robertson criticised the league for underselling its product.
But there’s no involvement for the Ibrox club nor fellow Glasgow giants
Celtic. The SPFL has given their blessing and pledged full co-operation.
McLeish, who conducted a major review of elite performance and governance for the SFA more than a decade ago, is not convinced.
The five clubs, four of whom have American-based chairmen, pledged to “unlock significant additional revenues for the benefit of all in professional Scottish club football”.
But McLeish said: “I’m worried that won’t happen. I’m questioning motives as well as timing.
“We have 42 clubs but only five are involved. It’s important to me that all of football is involved, not just a few. Rangers and Celtic aren’t participating and I wonder what relationship they might have to this.
“What degree of consultation will take place? If it’s to be a review, will they speak to the other 37 clubs?
“Will they speak to the football authorities? Will they speak to the fanbase? They might surprise me by
being comprehensive. I hope they are because Scottish football desperately needs restructuring and refinancing.
“I’m calling for a comprehensive review led by the SPFL and SFA – and supporters. What we need is a more in-depth and inclusive review, starting now.
“This is the time to do it. No one would want to stop what has been announced from proceeding. But it’s five clubs so, at the end of the day, it could be self-interest.”
McLeish believes Scottish football has failed to adapt or reform adequately since he collated a review in 2010.
He recently joined forces with the Scottish Football Supporters’ Association to create a group called Scottish Football Alliance in a bid to create a strategic longterm vision.
The former politician is aghast it has taken American owners, not the authorities themselves, to grasp the nettle in the wake of the coronavirus impact and prompt the probe.
He said: “My initial response was surprise because if you want a review with emphasis on financial resilience, it seems to me the SPFL and SFA should do that.
“We have an endorsement from [SPFL chief exec] Neil Doncaster but the question has to be posed to Neil and authorities, ‘Why have they not done this themselves?’.
“It should’ve been set up some time ago. Especially when, hopefully, we’re through the worst and can look forward to less troubled times.
“As we come through this period, we have to look at the overall financial state.
“In the Championship, League One and League Two, a lot of the clubs are in dire straits.
“Many concerned about financial distribution within the game are struggling to survive and would be interested in being part of a wider review.
“I’ve been involved with supporters’ groups doing work for many months.
“So a lot of inside knowledge and expertise is apparently being ignored as we now have five clubs embarking on this new review.”
Dave Cormack of Aberdeen, Dundee United’s Mark Ogren, Tim Keyes of Dundee, Hibs supremo Ron Gordon and Hearts chair Ann Budge are the boardroom chiefs to have commissioned the independent review.
McLeish said: “I’m willing to accept there may be some positive elements to this. But is this going to be of the few, by the few for the few? Or is there going to be a wider or comprehensive look at how finance is distributed?
“It’s a good idea to raise the level of income to the game, it’s badly needed. But priority areas, for me, are Championship, League One and League Two.
“You have to grow the cake and they must be part of a restructuring to move to bigger leagues. “Scottish football urgently needs radical restructuring and not just financially. “Most clubs I speak to are utterly fed-up playing the same teams all the time. “I’d be interested to know why the five clubs, including four American owners, think they’re in the best position to undertake this? “There’s something odd about why this has happened. I’m hoping what happens in America is not visited upon our football. I’d be concerned if there was an attempt to have some form of franchising where the size of your wallet is what matters to owners, not quality on the pitch.”