Rod Petrie will call on the SPFL to impose a league shutdown before Scotland’s Euro play-off.

[ian1964 10,372]

The SFA president hopes Premiership chiefs and broadcasters agree to postpone games for the sake of the national team.

 

Steve Clarke’s side are two matches away from qualifying for next year’s European Championships.

Scotland face two games in four days next March — with Petrie hopeful players will be given the weekend off beforehand.

He said: “There is a degree of cohesion and understanding between the SFA and the league.

“Clubs understand that the more successful the national team is, the more revenue comes into the association to funnel back to them. It is a win-win situation for them.

“Everyone is desperate to get back to a finals. The prospect of Euro 2020 and Glasgow hosting four games is something that spurs us on.”

It’s understood the SPFL believe it will be difficult to organise any shutdown.

But Petrie will bide his time before making any proposal.

He said: “There is a right time to ask any question. You shouldn’t ask it too early, you shouldn’t ask it too late.

“We are not at that time yet for March 2020. Broadcasters haven’t made their picks for that part of the campaign.

“But once we finish this campaign we will take a look at the play-offs.”

Clarke could take his players on a week’s training camp if league games were postponed.

Petrie said: “Right now it is about getting ourselves well prepared.

“If there is something like a camp, then I am very open to having those conversations.”

Meanwhile, Petrie has revealed the SFA are pushing ahead with plans to be part of a joint UK bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

The plans, which could see Hampden redeveloped, are at an advanced stage.

Petrie said: “We are in discussions with other home associations.

“The bid gives us a ten-year timeline to look at Hampden as a host for World Cup games.”

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/4962603/rod-petrie-sfa-spfl-shutdown-euro-2020/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1573981042

[buster. 4,808]

Whilst a week's shutdown would be a positive for Scotland's chances, I think the most important aspect of the play-off(s) is getting a Home Draw.

 

As I understand it, we'll be at home in the semi-final but the destination of the provisional Final will be determined on the 22nd of this month.

I wouldn't fancy Scotland away to any of the teams involved and IMO they'd by no means be clear favourites at Hampden against Norway or Serbia.

 

 

[Gonzo79 13,540]

Hopefully the league tells Petrie to get stuffed.

 

The prospect of Hampden being refurbished can only be a good thing though.

[buster. 4,808]

5 minutes ago, Gonzo79 said:

Hopefully the league tells Petrie to get stuffed.

 

The prospect of Hampden being refurbished can only be a good thing though.

Why ?

 

I can see why we aren't keen on Petrie but looking beyond the individual, Scottish football should be doing all that it can in an effort to get the national team qualified for the Euros.

[ian1964 10,372]

32 minutes ago, buster. said:

Why ?

 

I can see why we aren't keen on Petrie but looking beyond the individual, Scottish football should be doing all that it can in an effort to get the national team qualified for the Euros.

Because it will be contrary to the well defined rules of sporting integrity?

[compo 6,073]

No , no , no and I hope any Rangers players call off 

[ian1964 10,372]

 

[compo 6,073]

Hopefully come March we will be in sight of the winning post of another title the   last thing  I  would  want  is a    break

[Tannochsidebear 2,306]

The fixture in question would be us at St Mirren while the bheasts entertain St Johnstone in round 32 of fixtures. Postponing this might not cause us or the bheasts much hassle, but with there only being one further round of fixtures before the split, when would any postponed games be rearranged for in order to ensure the split can be done on time?

[ian1964 10,372]

What about the players who play outside Scotland? will their clubs release them early?