DG7

You make some good points. We should perhaps look at how they do it in Scandinavia and Ireland with regards to pitches, pre-season and the other things you've mentioned. I'm sure they have similar issues and possibly have found solutions. It's an interesting discussion (league reconstruction) but we all know that nothing exciting is going to happen in reality. Sadly.

Not sure there's any need for that. Rather than say "get to f**k" why not put forward your arguments against B teams. So come on, let's hear it. You may convince me otherwise. That's what discussions are all about.

I agree with you. The problem with the SPFL is that it is run by the 42 clubs who the majority of don't want change. Scotland is one of the few countries which relies more on gate receipts than on TV money. Polls have shown that fans (as well as players) want larger leagues. So the 42 SPFL clubs are not listening to the people they rely on - the fans. The league needs to be more open to having more promotion/relegation. This allows clubs to find their level quicker. To have more teams go up and down each season also means larger leagues. I'd rather there were 2 Old Firm games per season than 4. I realise Sky TV want 4 Old Firm games, but as I said above, TV money is not as important as supporters through the gate for Scottish clubs. I would personally go for a 16-16-16 SPFL to start with. 3 up/down in each league apart from the 3rd tier where 2 go down automatically for LL and HL champions to go up. With a 16 team league there can be a split after 2 games each. How that would work is open to discussion. What's more, I'd invite B teams to join the set-up possibly at the bottom tier. I suppose there's an argument for Rangers and Celtic B teams to join the Lowland League or bottom SPFL tier. Again, summer football is worth a try. Might give our teams a tiny advantage in European qualifiers. But all of the above post can be ignored really since the current 42 SPFL clubs will not vote for anything remotely like it. The voting structure is not fit for purpose. Neil Doncaster (or whoever may in future be in his position) isn't worth the money since he cannot make decisions without 42 clubs voting. So he is really an administrator on a very large salary.

No, not dismissing either of those teams. But my point is that the South League could have been called with Threave crowned champions. It was a real possibility. (For what it's worth I think the correct decision was made.) All I am saying is that I don't think Threave will be angry at missing out on a chance to go into the Lowland League. I think stability is more important right now.

I usually play either: 4-1-2-3 (two wingers and a central striker) or 4-2-3-1 (central striker with 2 wingers and a no10).

The players throughout the SPFL and it seems many many fans all want reconstruction. Maybe it's a case of thinking the grass is always greener on the other side, but let's face it, 12 and 10 team leagues are a bit boring with the repetitive nature of playing teams 4 times a season (and then maybe a meeting in the cups). The fact is that the SPFL is a closed shop. More promotion/relegation would let teams all find their level much quicker. Look at Berwick Rangers. Bottom part of the Lowland League. Cove Rangers strolling League 2. Who would bet against Auchinleck Talbot going right up through to League Two? For such a small country, Scotland has a lot of football clubs. All the more reason to allow bigger leagues and easier passage up/down the leagues/pyramid. I'd start off with a 16 team top two leagues.

Bradford PA are my usual team in England in FM.

I don't think Threave were devastated at not having a crack at the Lowland League. Another year in the SoSL won't be a bad thing.

If there was no need for a merger then it wouldn't have happened. Look at where ICT are today. A few days ago they beat Rangers at Ibrox! Now, if the merger hadn't taken place to produce a half-decent club from Inverness then you'd still be getting all excited about playing Fort William on a Saturday morning. I dunno, maybe all you sentimental Inverness blokes are just used to watching tosh week in week out that ambition has been long forgotten. Better to keep your petty rivalries?