SPFL hit back at Budge claims

The SPFL have hit back at Ann Budge claiming that the Hearts chief was consulted about changes to the format for the League Cup.

Neil Doncaster spoke yesterday about the issue with details released on the SPFL website late last night.

Earlier today Budge, and Motherwell owner Les Hutchinson, claimed that she was only made aware of the changes hours before they were published but the SPFL have denied that was the case.

In a statement to the BBC they claimed: “This subject was widely trailed at general meetings where both Hearts and Motherwell were present, over the past year.”

Earlier Budge had said: “I would liked to have known a little bit more about them before they were publicly announced. They were all things that were mooted before, but in terms of a total package being put together it wasn’t something most of us were aware of. So I haven’t had a chance to examine whether I think it’s the right way forward.

“I know it will influence clubs financially, potentially in contract terms with players, and the fact that we haven’t had a chance to think these things through is a bit of a negative. In saying that, I’m all for change, we do need change.

“We’ve talked about a winter break, we’ve talked about summer football, this is the beginning of something. So I’m not saying it’s wrong, just that I would have liked to have known more about it before it was announced.”

Having been contradicted by the SPFL the next move is in Budge’s court.