SPL chief hopeful of agreement

By Sean Saranczuk
August 1 2002

Scottish Premier League chairman Lex Gold remains hopeful that a compromise can be reached between the Old Firm and the competition's other 10 clubs.

Scottish Premier League chairman Lex Gold remains hopeful that a compromise can be reached between the Old Firm and the competition's other 10 clubs.

The renegade '10' have announced their intention to resign from the SPL on Thursday afternoon despite all 12 clubs agreeing a television deal with the BBC following their EGM at Hampden Park.

But the 'Gang of 10' are still unhappy with the current 11-1 voting structure in place within the SPL and want an 8-4 system introduced instead.

They claim they will set up their own league when they have served their two-year notice if Rangers and Celtic remain unwilling to change the current set-up.

But discussions will continue to take place between all 12 clubs, and Gold believes a compromise can be reached.

He said: "I have been trying for two or three months now to broker a deal between the Old Firm and the other 10, who indicated their intention to put in written notice of resignation from the League.

"I'm encouraged by the fact that today (Wednesday) all 12 clubs have agreed that those negotiations should continue.

"The 10 will put in their resignations within the next two days but they are doing so on the basis that a deal is possible between both sides.

"The Old Firm are approaching it in the same constructive spirit."