Geoff Brown has warned that any increase in the number of teams participating in the Scottish Premier League would lead to a huge drop in revenue for member clubs. The St Johnstone chairman, who was part of the group who formed the league in 1998, calculates that clubs would see revenue drop by 40 per cent.
Various SPL managers, including Walter Smith and Jim Jefferies, have championed the cause of admitting at least four more teams into the current setup, as debate continues over whether the league’s structure is hindering development of young Scottish players.
Brown though says that proposals to increase the SPL to 18 teams would contribute to a drop in funding for those already in the division, resulting in a similar drop in wage levels for players and managers.
"I think the number one thing to football and every business now is finance," said Brown. "I’ve heard managers say there should be an 18-team league.
"I would have to ask the question would they and their players be prepared to accept a 40 per cent deduction in wages? Because at the end of the day, that’s what it amounts to.
"For me, yes you can look at it and you can tweak with it and you can react to your audiences at the time. But I think it’s being unrealistic to look at an 18-team Premier League and I don’t think there is any chance of that."
Although Brown did not corroborate his calculations with reasons why clubs would see such a dramatic fall in revenue, it is likely that the loss of two money-spinning games with Rangers and Celtic, together with a further division of central funds, would contribute to the decrease.
Instead of increasing the number of teams in the top flight as it stands, Brown says he would prefer a return to a 10-team SPL with plans for an SPL2 revisited to act as a competitive safety net.
"I don’t know if there is an ideal setup but to me the old league we had of 10, that worked quite well," said Brown. "For me, an SPL2 would be on the back of that. We believe that a 10-12 would work. That wouldn’t be easy to implement in the near future but that could be the target. An SPL2 is my way forward."
The SPL has endured continued criticism about its standard of play for years, leading to calls for the country’s highest level to be revitalised to improve the game on an entertainment level, as well as for the benefit of the Scotland national side.
Brown though feels that most of the negativity shown towards the league has been unwarranted and says that fans are by and large satisfied with what they are watching.
"I don’t think we are bad at all," added Brown. "I think we are competitive, it’s a good competitive league and yes, there might be a lack of quality but if you go to a Premier League game, you will be entertained.
"I certainly believe that there is good, competitive football and in general terms, that is what people want to see."
