Our board has kept a low profile as the saga at Ibrox rumbled on and fans have only a short holding statement on the official website as an indication of the club’s attitude. The position, as stated, is “To date we have seen no proposals to transfer a share in the SPL to a “Newco” and have therefore made no decision on how we would vote if such a scenario did arise.”
Three of the decision makers
The statement then says “We do not believe we can separate the sporting integrity of our league from the sustainable future of our club”. Surely a steer to the view that any NewCo must start at the bottom of the pyramid?
But the key comes in the last paragraph, “In the event that a “Newco” proposal is presented to us, we intend to fully discuss with representatives of our supporters groups, prior to making any decision.” Has any fan group, from any club, taken a position other than one that sees a NewCo starting life in SFL Division 3?
Regardless of the SPL’s decision on any application, the ‘SPL rebels’ must ensure that they seize the prize of removing the undemocratic 10-2 voting requirement. Any penalties imposed on a NewCo – and for that matter the starting position given to a NewCo – will have a relatively short shelf life.
Four years from now Rangers will be in the SPL and eligible for European competition. If the non-Glasgow teams have not been able to rest voting control away from a two team veto then a great opportunity will have been missed.
The SPL may have to make a hasty decision on a NewCo proposal (though a 14 day notice of motion may apply). Let the consultations with Motherwell fans begin.
Update...the club has released a further statement that reaffirms the earlier position.... “We will consult our members, shareholders and fans before taking a decision on what our position should be."