Hopeless `competition` in Scotland must be improved.
Bert Kassies tracking of uefa co-efficient shows Scotland at 29th by 26-27
unless our clubs radically improve; which seems unlikely under recent financial
conditions and severe limitations imposed on potential growth by SFA-SPFL, who regularly conspire to prevent competition; leading to the inevitable conclusion
that strong action is required, principally, from the Scottish Government.
Looking below at decent improvements to `pyramid`competition and player
development, by expanding the top four levels from just 42 largely un-competitive clubs to 172 fully competitive (no special favours) clubs, gives several thousand
young players a much stronger opportunity to develop, and potentially replacing hundreds of foreigners. This is also sure to impact SFA `international` squads
which have been relatively poor for decades.To do this, there is no need to
`interfere` in SFA, who do not manage domestic competition. We would simply
replace all current leagues with National League for all clubs, as below. Only Scottish Government has the power to do this.
National League (top 4 levels)
14
14
18 18 18
18 18 18 18 18
In this system, the top two divisions play 38 games, with a split 7-7, after 26 games.
Lower leagues would play 34 league games. Three teams would be relegated each season from each of the divisions, with a play-off system to determine their
replacements from the third and fourth levels. Historically, clubs promoted to SPFL,
Highland and Lowland leagues, rise very quickly, indicating the overall changes
will also come very quickly. Championship should be 14 clubs for one season
only, thereafter, going up to 20 clubs.
Economically, there is huge evidence that more people have the cash and the
desire to attend football matches or become members of decent clubs. This, clearly, raises the prospect of a vast increase in the game`s income and capabilitiy.
We can have much stronger organisation, with all football clubs in membership of
the National League (providing they have at least 250 members and a ground).
SFA membership rules need to change also, so that all clubs can play in the Cup,
as they do in the likes of France (8600 clubs in 22-23). Improving all forms of membership will also increase access to much greater funding. Very small clubs, such as most amateurs, must join with a larger club, so that our game improves efficiency and productivity.
Scotland - worst competition in Europe ..
This chart shows the top five levels in 22 West European countries; deliberately
missing other `home`nations; with particular comparison of the crucial top 3 levels;
clearly supporting the reality that we can substantially improve the game here - both technically and economically, to a higher standard, not seen since 1970.
Places in level 1 level 2 level 3 level 4 level 5 top 3 levels
Greece 14 28 81 56 n/a 123
Croatia 10 12 80 105 295 102
Italy 20 20 60 9 leagues 28 leagues 100
Hungary 12 20 60 333 20 leagues 92
Czech.Rep. 16 16 50 80 14 leagues 82
Spain 20 22 40 90 288 82
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Scotland - proposed 14 14 54 90 144 82
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Austria 12 16 48 141 9 leagues 76
Sweden 16 16 32 84 144 64
Portugal 18 18 24 56 292 60
Norway 16 16 28 84 22 leagues 60
France 20 20 18 168 574 58
Netherlands 18 20 18 36 64 56
Germany 18 18 20 93 11 leagues 56
Slovakia 12 12 32 120 243 56
Slovenia 10 16 28 9 leagues ..... 54
Poland 18 18 18 72 318 54
Belgium 18 12 16 48 64 46
Switzerland 10 10 18 48 76 38
Denmark 12 12 12 12 40 36
Iceland 12 12 12 12 38 36
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Scotland (SPFL) 12 10 10 10 34 32