Cash injection could open up closed-doors games

Peterhead chairman Rodger Morrison believes Ann Budge’s benefactors could pave the way for behind-closed-doors football.

The Hearts chairwoman announced at the weekend she had contacts who would be willing to gift money to Scottish football to support clubs across the leagues.

Closed-doors football in the lower leagues has not appeared to be financially viable, but if this investment is secured, that could change.

Blue Toon chief Morrison said: “Closed-doors games is always something that I’ve said from the Championship downwards would need funding.

“I fail to see how you can live with closed-doors games for any length of time. I’m probably a bit sceptical, but if these people are willing to help and put money in with no strings attached then it sounds great.”

Even if behind-closed-doors games did not happen, Morrison still believes League 1 and 2 could start in front of supporters socially distancing.

There has been talk of clubs being mothballed, something the Balmoor chairman does not want to contemplate.

Morrison added: “I still feel everybody is rushing because it’s an ever-changing situation and in Leagues 1 and 2 we’ve still got time. If we didn’t start until October and only played three rounds of fixtures it would still be acceptable.

“I hate the word mothballing and I wouldn’t want to mothball Peterhead FC.

“If this money is going to be invested in the game it would be great, but we’ll have to wait.”

Rodger Morrison