Honest Men Trust criticise Henry McLeish football review

Dec 24 2010 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THE Honest Men Trust have criticised the recent review of Scottish football by former First Minister Henry McLeish for ignoring the views of supporters.

In producing the report, Mr McLeish spoke to politicians and representatives of the clubs but although he spoke with representatives of Supporters Direct, the governing body for Supporters Trusts, he failed to widely consult supporters on their views on how to take the game forward.

And the Trust believes that along with the proposals for league reconstruction mooted by the SPL, that Scottish football will continue to decline.

They envisage falling attendances throughout the game with fans bored watching the same teams playing each other four times throughout a league campaign and the lack of serious competition in the top flight.

Trust chairman Callum Yorke said fans are the lifeblood of the game yet their views are being ignored when it comes to the future direction of the game.

Yorke said: “Henry McLeish has produced an indepth report covering many aspects of the game but it is disappointing that the views of the ordinary supporter are being ignored.

“In particular, his views on league reconstruction mirror those put forward last week by the SPL, which other than introducing play-offs to the top flight, does nothing for the greater good of Scottish football.

“Fans will continue to disappear from the terraces as they get bored watching their side play the same opposition four times per season and with the league being reduced to ten clubs at the top level, this will only increase the fear factor of relegation, resulting in less opportunities to bring through the next generation of young players.

“Fans, managers and players have been calling for years for an increase in the number of clubs in the top flight.

“But sadly the implementation of this report will not create the platform required to ensure a sustainable financial future for clubs and enhancing the attraction of the game which are amongst the report’s key objectives.”

Yorke also questioned the proposed regionalisation of the lower leagues that could include reserve sides from SPL clubs.

He said: “Mr McLeish has raised the prospect of what he describes as ‘colt’ teams from SPL sides playing in a regionalised lower league set up to enhance the prospects of developing young players.

“Youth development should not be a luxury afforded only to SPL clubs and totally ignores the good work being carried out by many SFL clubs, including the fantastic work that has been achieved locally by the Ayr United Football Academy over the last five years.

“There are many examples of quality young players in recent years who have learned their trade at SFL clubs including Craig Conway at Dundee United and David Templeton at Hearts. Is their development to be hindered because an SPL club did not realise their potential at an early age?”

“These proposals will only widen the divide between the SPL and the other Scottish clubs. It does nothing to encourage clubs to live within their financial means and if implemented, could mark the end for many famous names in Scottish football.”