Lower tiers look to avoid hibernation after meeting

LEAGUE ONE and League

Two sides are keen to avoid entering a period of hibernation despite the possibility being discussed during a conference call yesterday.

Club chiefs held talks about the way forward for the bottom two tiers of the SPFL as they attempt to plot a course through the Covid-19 crisis.

The idea of halting the divisions was among several topics the agenda, however one chairperson confirmed that the conversations were ‘informal’ and that no firm decisions or proposals were made.

However, there was a strong desire from several clubs to start the 2020/21 campaign as planned – albeit the hurdles remain sizeable.

Playing behind closed doors is seen as a non-starter for many at that level, particularly those in League Two who are financially reliant on gate receipts, advertising, sponsorship and hospitality.

All of those income streams would either be halted or hamstrung by a lack of supporters.

Nevertheless, sources described the meeting as positive and cordial, with clubs agreeing to explore several options, including whether the leagues could be externally subsidised if necessary or piggy-back on existing TV deals higher up the pyramid to allow matches to be shown.

The challenge of finding a happy medium is exacerbated by the differing statures of the clubs. Partick Thistle and

Falkirk, for example, have staff contracted through to 2021 and would be required to pay them even if no football takes place.

They also feasibly have the infrastructure and fanbase to broadcast, and profit from, fixtures with no-one in attendance, meaning they would be reluctant to shut down until January.

It was agreed that no hasty decisions should be made until it becomes clear to what extent First Minister Nicola Sturgeon intends to ease lockdown restrictions in the coming weeks, as the cost of testing for coronavirus – £50 per person – remains prohibitive.

The prospect of another reconstruction bid being launched by Hearts owner Ann Budge was also noted and could have an effect on the talks, with Falkirk, in particular, vocal supporters of change.