delbear 0 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 (edited) ENGLISH football chiefs have hatched secret plans to invite SPL clubs into the Carling Cup. It could see Scots clubs involved from 2012-13 even if chief executive Neil Doncaster can convince SPL clubs to vote for league changes that will see the top-flight reduced to ten. SunSport understands that the proposal could be the first step towards a British Cup. Top brass on both sides of the border are eager to breathe fresh life into their League Cups. They believe bringing the two League Cups closer together could prove popular for Scottish and English fans. And a major change to cup competitions would also be on the cards if Scottish clubs accept a possible invitation into a merged tourney. Brewing giants Carling have just one year left on their sponsorship of the English League Cup. And anxious Football League chiefs in England are desperate for a bright new format to attract lucrative backing. A blueprint for the new-look competition would see the Scottish clubs enter at the second round. They'd face lower-ranking Premier League teams or Football League sides. But they could be pitted against the cream of the English game after that. It's hoped the proposed tourney would also be attractive to broadcasters and land a TV deal. And Football League bosses believe it could convince England's top clubs to field full-strength teams. The new-look Cup would have to win the approval of Football League clubs AND teams in Scotland. SFL top brass would be consulted to ensure there was no negative impact on the new-look Scottish Communities League Cup. But it's believed there is interest on both sides of the border in the concept of an all-British tourney. The idea was last floated eight years ago when clubs discussed a grand final between the winners of the Scottish and English League Cups. Peter Donald, the then SFL secretary, revealed talks for the match had made an advanced stage. Donald said at the time: "We have discussed it and we think it is a positive proposal. There would be considerable prestige at stake for the winners." Meanwhile, SPL clubs will meet to take a final vote on league reconstruction next month. Club chiefs gathered at Hampden yesterday to discuss plans to change the structure of the game. And Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne said: "I think it's still moving in the right direction. There is a bit of work to do." EDIT* it is in the Scottish sun now i like the idea of that! a few away trips down south! Edited April 19, 2011 by delbear add info 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete 2,499 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Yes I like the idea too and it may open up the road for a British league in about 50 years. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gribz 743 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Would be the most realistic option and would be more of atmosphere to have it in a cup format. It would be good for the others also, Im sure if the likes of Hearts got Liverpool it would open be a good game and the added revenue for the Scottish clubs can only be good and stop the gap growing further between SPL and EPL. Maybe a good format would be for the last 8 from each country meet each other in an open draw. It gives teams more to play for in the earlier round rather just hoping for a pay day in getting the OF in a lter round. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
maineflyer 0 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 That'll be the start of the end of Scottish football then. Wonder what FIFA is offering them to go down this road? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Dutchy Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Neil lemon seems to be very excited by this. I wonder if the green bigarbish will suddenly disappear when the English pot of gold comes closer? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BillyMac Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 anything well almost anything that improves our finances i am all for I would love some away days down south 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,416 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Neil lemon seems to be very excited by this. I wonder if the green bigarbish will suddenly disappear when the English pot of gold comes closer? Surely the BHEASTS won't want to enter a BRITISH cup???? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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