Abeyance solution for League 1 and 2 clubs

Dundee United legend Jim Mcinally reckons that the continuing impact of the coronavirus and the never-ending rancour surrounding Scottish football will lead to SPFL League 1 and League 2 being placed in abeyance for a season.

Mcinally, who has managed League 1 Peterhead since 2011, described the state of the game in Scotland as “embarrassing”.

The former Tangerines midfielder, who also played for Dundee and Raith Rovers, said: “When you consider what is happening in the world it is embarrassing what is going on with football in Scotland just now.

“I said four weeks ago that it was the most embarrassing episode in my 40 years in the game and it has got worse since then.

“Everyone assumes that reconstruction will not now be happening – however, there has been talk of Hearts taking court action.

“If that happens, I am not sure what the way ahead is or indeed when the way ahead will be known. Even if the legal action gets sorted it will only lead to closed-door games until there is a vaccine available and that is not expected to 2021.

“In my opinion, League 1 and League 2 clubs would be better to go into abeyance and get help from the government to keep their grounds intact as closed-door games will be between amateur sides.”

Mcinally added: “Crowds generate the income needed to pay League 1 and 2 players as there is little TV revenue.

“If there are no crowds there will be no wages.

“The only way then to be involved is to have amateur teams. It will be that or stopping for a season.”

Mcinally added: “The Premiership teams could probably survive on Sky TV money for closeddoor games and that is probably an option for the Championship sides as well.”