ian1964 10,389 Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Neil Doncaster has defended the implementation of the SPFL model, describing 2013 as a "challenging year" for the Scottish game. The SPFL chief executive covered many topics in an exclusive interview with STV, including the continued lack of a league sponsor, measures taken to prevent rogue owners from buying clubs and even Celtic's dominance of the top flight. Speaking to STV he said: "It’s certainly been a challenging year with all the hard work that went into getting the merger agreed. "That was years of hard work coming together in what was a very successful outcome. "It’s been challenging but ultimately it’s been extremely satisfying that everything we wanted to achieve, and everything Henry McLeish recommended, that fans wanted for so long, we’ve delivered. I think credit for these achievements should go to the 42 clubs. "Change is difficult and it does create concern for the future but the clubs have taken that leap of faith and I hope they’ll be rewarded for it." Looking ahead to 2014 Doncaster outlines his hopes and ambitions, calling for a greater emphasis on the actual football being played in the new set-up. "My hope is that going into 2014 the focus will be less on off-the-field matters that have dominated the agenda for so long and we’ll be far more on the passion, the drama, the excitement for which Scottish football is renowned," he explained. "We’ve got some bright talents coming through and it’s right that we should be focussing on those rather than the off the field matters." Doncaster seemed unconcerned by the lack of a title sponsor for the new league set-up, adding that the new year provides companies with a unique opportunity. He said: "We have a real opportunity coming into the new year with a new league for a sponsor to be the first sponsor of the SPFL. "The league has only been in existence several months and the fact is that companies looking to spend a fairly large amount of money will not do so at the drop of a hat. "There are several ongoing conversations with several large companies, large brands who have an interest in being involved with the league. We’re certainly hopeful that those will generate positive outcomes this year. "In terms of money generally, sponsorship makes up a very small percentage of the overall income of the league. "Most of it is down to broadcasting income and we’ve been very successful with overseas deals this year, which is a relatively big deal for the SPFL." Doncaster refuted the claim that this season's Scottish Premiership is proving uncompetitive, explaining how he seels the league to prospective investors and commercial partners. He said: "Scottish football is so key to society in Scotland. "We are well renowned throughout the world and the fact is that more people attend a top flight game in Scotland per capita than any other country in Europe. "I think the game sells itself but we want to make sure we have the right partner and a good sponsor for the right money." http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/258745-neil-doncaster-looks-back-on-2013-as-a-challenging-year/ 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,389 Posted January 1, 2014 Author Share Posted January 1, 2014 SPFL chief Neil Doncaster insists “uncertainty” remains the key reason that the Scottish leagues remain without a sponsor. With Clydesdale Bank’s deal to name the SPL running out at the end of last season, the newly formed four tier SPFL is still searching for a title sponsor, almost a month into the season. Speaking at the draw for the third round of the League Cup, Doncaster said that “lengthy conversations” were still taking place with potential backers but added that the uncertainty of the summer was still having an effect. He said: “Work is ongoing to bring in a title sponsor for the league and also to support the League Cup. “There has been a huge amount of uncertainty as to what any sponsor would be getting involved with. “It is only since the end of June that we have agreed the way forward for a single league covering all 42 clubs. “Conversations are ongoing and we’re extremely hopeful of getting the right sponsor in to be part of an exciting time in Scottish football. “These are clearly lengthy conversations and we are talking about substantial amounts of money and people need to be sure of what they are getting involved with and what they are getting in return.” The Scottish football chief was delighted to see Celtic safely reach the Champions League group stages with their last gasp 3-2 aggregate win over Shakhter Karagandy and he said the financial rewards from Neil Lennon’s men taking their place at Europe’s top table would spread throughout the country. Doncaster said: “It is absolutely huge for Scottish football to have a club in the group stages of the Champions League. “It of course benefits the whole game in this country. All of the top tier will benefit directly financially from Celtic being in the group stages so it is a big result for the game.” http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/celtic/237751-neil-doncaster-uncertainty-still-hampering-efforts-to-secure-spfl-sponsor/ 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
barca72 440 Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 We're into the New Year and this guy is still spouting his delusions. Absolutely nuts. How long will Caesar Pete put up with this nonsense? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,389 Posted January 1, 2014 Author Share Posted January 1, 2014 Tell a lie often enough! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Cooper 0 Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I despise this clown and i am a nice person. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gisabeer 409 Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 let e help you mr doncaster. you dont have a sponsor due to the fact that you dont really have a product to sell. Its as simple as that . 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RANGERRAB 3,253 Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 How much longer is this fool going to be allowed to utter such nonsense? The SPFL Premiership ( a name taken from England as they couldnt come up with anything of their own) is supposedly the showpiece of scottish football but is nothing other than a pathetic bore because it is a one horse race. It cannot even attract a sponsor and has a SKY TV deal which no one gets to see probably because it is derisory. Week in week out clubs give away free matchday tickets to artificially inflate attendance figures. Others even give away free ST's. Doing well Mr Dumbcaster? don't think so somehow 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
compo 6,079 Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I had forgot this fool even existed 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gribz 743 Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 This guy has luck on his side along with late dirty tricks and the SPFL will have their sponsor soon once potential sponsors realise Rangers are 12 months off being in the top flight. He will also probably do the league restructure and make the top flight more attractive. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc 280 Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 How much longer is this fool going to be allowed to utter such nonsense?The SPFL Premiership ( a name taken from England as they couldnt come up with anything of their own) is supposedly the showpiece of scottish football but is nothing other than a pathetic bore because it is a one horse race. It cannot even attract a sponsor and has a SKY TV deal which no one gets to see probably because it is derisory. Week in week out clubs give away free matchday tickets to artificially inflate attendance figures. Others even give away free ST's. Doing well Mr Dumbcaster? don't think so somehow A perfect synthesis of why Doncaster should be getting his P45. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.