Livingston have shown every club in Scotland how to communicate with supporters, or stakeholders/customers as some might prefer, by providing a detailed explanation as to why they are backing the resolution of the SPFL board.
The SPFL could have done themselves a few favours by publishing the thought process and reasoning behind their proposal rather than leave it open to vested interests to distort.
Yesterday, Hearts, Partick Thistle and the club from Ibrox came out with statements explaining why they would vote against the average points per game proposal. Thistle were fairly honest in their reasons, the other two claimed to be concerned about the financial problems of other clubs, only a fool would fall for that fake concern.
There will definitely be no football before June 10, a new television deal starts at the beginning of August- the 2019/20 season can’t be completed with Null & Void not remotely an option.
Explaining to the fans Livingston revealed:
- In a letter from Scottish Ministers to the SPFL the guidance suggests that the restrictions currently in place may not be lifted until a minimum of the 10th June. However, our understanding is that it is likely to be later than this. These guidelines are in place to help to alleviate the pressure on the NHS.
- In our opinion, there is no viable space to finish the current season and we feel with over 75% of the games completed, an average points per game system is the best of all options, in which no option is great. Unfortunately, it is impossible to find a neutral ground which suits everyone.
- It is fundamental to Livingston Football Club that league prize money can be paid out, as we have a duty of care to our employees and fans to ensure we still have a football club for the following season. The only way for league money to be distributed is via the league season concluding and we must emphasise that voiding the season does not achieve this.
- From all discussions with the SFA/SPFL, it is our opinion that one thing that is paramount in fulfilling the new contracts from Sky Sports (exclusive rights holder) and Premier Sports is that the new season starts on the contractual dates, or as close to as possible within reason.
- As a club, we feel that living in this state of limbo is detrimental to next year’s revenue streams and closure is needed. Season Tickets and Commercial Sponsorship play a huge part in our business model and bringing the season to an end allows our business to focus on the new season ahead.
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At 5pm tomorrow the SPFL board will know if their proposal has been passed. If it’s voted down clubs will be putting next season’s Sky Sports deal in doubt.
