An eleven team SPL?

Motherwell seem to be playing their part in helping ailing Gretna limp to the thirty third game of the season. They have a game against ICT at Fir Park on Saturday and an outstanding home fixture against St Mirren still to be arranged. The rental for their remaining two fixtures is said to be 'nominal'.

The SPL are keeping in touch with the administrator and although some financial help has been given, the speculation that the plug will be pulled at the split grows.

So, if the worst happens, what follows? The relevant section in the SPL handbook appears on page 103 under section H, Miscellaneous. It reads:

Ceasing to play and be a member of the league

If any Club in the League ceases to operate or to be member of the League for any reason, its playing record in the League may be expunged and the number of relegation places from the League shall be reduced accordingly.

It would appear that the word 'may' is what the SPL need to allow room for manoeuvre. If the results of all Gretna fixtures are expunged then (crucially for Motherwell) Dundee United would benefit to the tune of six points. Others would gain a lesser number.

The alternative is to let the results stand and leave the top six unaffected. The bottom five would then play, presumably, only four games after the split.

If the latter course of action is favoured then Dundee United would be in an uncomfortable position. From a self interest perspective they would be duty bound to vote for the option which would maximise their chance of the European place. We have to hope that the majority see sense!

Live match day SMS updates and breaking 'Well news for free @ www.twitter.com/firparkcorner