Reconstruction on table

SCOTTISH Premiership clubs were holding talks today to discuss league reconstruction plans but the cost of starting next season will also be high up the agenda.

The Scottish Football Association is set to lift the suspension of all activity around the sport f rom June 11, although clubs will be restricted to two households training together under government rules during phase one of the route out of lockdown.

An August 1 kick-off for the new season has been pencilled i n for the top flight, although again the Scottish Government has urged caution over that date as it depends on the country moving to phase two.

H o w e v e r, m a j o r concerns have been expressed by some clubs over the cost of coronavirus testing.

Kilmarnock chairman Billy Bowie has predicted that clubs would need financial assistance if they were asked to embark on expensive testing regimes.

Estimates of £4,500 have been made for the weekly cost of testing players and staff at each club.

Meanwhile, Hearts owner Ann Budge is keen for open-minded dialogue to be revived on reconstruction despite top-flight clubs rejecting any idea of a temporary reorganisation weeks ago.

Budge accepts her 14-14-14 plan will not happen – Clyde and Peterhead confirmed they would not support it this weekend and there is doubt over the prospects of playing at all this year for some clubs.

B u t s h e wa n t s h e r document to be a starting point for discussions which she hopes rescue her club from relegation.

Ann Budge