Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Temporary reshuffle could be acceptable says Aberdeen boss
ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes believes temporary league reconstruction could satisfy the majority of the 42 Scottish senior clubs.
Hearts owner Ann Budge forwarded a document detailing the proposed plans for three leagues of 14 to all club chairmen on Tuesday.
The SPFL board met y e st e r d a y t o d i s c u ss details of Hear ts’ proposals for a temporary change to a 14-14-14 system for two seasons.
Divisional meetings, beginning with the Premiership on Monday, will take place to scrutinise the proposals in more detail.
If agreed, the new set-up would save Hearts from relegation, having been consigned to the drop when t he SPFL board ended the Premiership last week
The proposal would see Inverness Caley Thistle jump up to the top flight.
Budge’s plan involves the Premiership splitting after two rounds of fixtures into a top six and bottom eight.
A 14-14-16 set-up could also potentially be introduced if clubs vote to include Highland League champions Brora Rangers and Lowland League winners Kelty Hearts.
McInnes said: “I thought there could be a way where we could have had temporary reconstruction to satisfy the majority.
“It might not have been what everyone wanted.
“I get why there is a need for it not to be a permanent expanded l eague with more teams in it.
“A t emporary reconstruction could have been possible.”
McInnes admits relegating Hearts is unfair.
He said: “I find it so disappointing that Hearts as it stands are going to get relegated.
“Not just because it is Hearts and what t hey bring. It is a terrible decision.”