KEEP ME OUT OF THE POLITICS
Stirling Albion manager Kevin Rutkiewicz admits he is happy to leave the league reconstruction debate to others.
The SPFL have set up a taskforce – chaired by Hearts owner Ann Budge and Les Gray of Hamilton Accies – to look into potential change for 2020/21.
The current 12-10-10-10 system has been in place since 2000/01 when Elgin City and Peterhead joined the SFL and the top flight was increased from 10 to 12. Any change requires 11 of the 12 Premiership clubs to agree, with 75 per cent of those in the other divisions also needed, so it would be a challenge to push through a new format.
A 14-10-10-10 structure with no relegation this season and the addition of Highland League champions Brora Rangers and Lowland League winners Kelty Hearts to the SPFL is one possibility, while three divisions of 14 clubs have also been mooted in some quarters.
However, Rutkiewicz is keen to focus on the football and stay out of what has become a controversial subject in Scottish football in recent weeks and start planning for next season, although when that will be is anyone’s guess given.
The Albion boss, who is in talks with a number of his squad about new deals for 2020/21, said: “It’s up to the board to get involved with the politics of the reconstruction debate – I don’t think it is my job to get involved with the structure of leagues. I’m just focused on what we need to do to provide the club and the fans with the best team we can get through the door.”
He added: “In terms of reconstruction I don’t think it’s an easy task but it would be great to have clarity. I just want to get going again when we can and I don’t care who we are playing against.
“There is possibly scope for change and there is maybe an argument for bigger leagues – it works in other countries but that doesn’t mean it would work here. The four-division system isn’t great but we have had it for a long time and change isn’t always better.
“There is always clamour for reconstruction, the same with things like summer football.
There are always going to be lots of opinions but I’d much rather be talking about results and tactics. I’ll stay out of the politics and we will deal with whatever happens.” 1. Bob ..... , London Wasps prop 2009-12 (5)
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