4 Mar 2010SPL 'considering playoff system'

Football Clubs News | Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

A playoff system may be introduced for the Scottish Premier League (SPL) under plans to revamp football in Scotland.

Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPL, revealed that playoffs are being considered as an option to improve the 12-year-old division in light of the popularity they enjoy in England, as well as suggestions from fans that something new is needed to "freshen things up".

At present, only one team from the Scottish First Division is promoted to the top flight at the end of the season, earning their berth by finishing first in the table.

However, playoffs could see other sides compete in one-off matches for the chance to reach the SPL, which may also be expanded to include 16 clubs.

Doncaster said: "The playoffs in the Football League have been a tremendous success and innovations like that can create much in terms of excitement and revenue."

First Division leaders Dundee are the current favourites to secure 2009-10's only SPL slot, topping the table by eight points.

Written by Paul Roberts

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