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SPFL ask for clubs input in order to put season contingency plans in place

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From Premiership champions Celtic to League Two side Brechin City, clubs across the SPFL are being asked the same question by the Hampden hierarchy.

All 42 member clubs have been contacted by the powers that be to try and throw together plans for if the season has to be called to a halt once more.

The SPFL have asked everyone from Celtic to Brechin City for input. (Photo by Paul Harding – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

The previous questionnaire sent to clubs was pushed back but now bosses are set to go back for fresh impetus. It’s been a season filled with Covid drama, starting on weekend one with breaches of protocol by those at Aberdeen and Celtic.

Since then, several teams up and down the leagues have been impacted by positive tests one way or another.

That’s not even documenting the end of 2019/20 drama which had the like of Celtic, Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers crowned champions, whilst Hearts, Partick Thistle and Stranraer were relegated.

The Tynecastle club were relegated. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster has already got contingency support from some clubs: “When the SPFL rules were drawn up many years ago, no one could have foreseen the impact which Covid-19 would have on our game.

“The fact that our rules did not expressly cover the situation where a season must be curtailed with a number of matches remaining to be played caused a great deal of uncertainty and delay in reaching a resolution last season. No one wants to see that repeated.

“Many of our clubs support the principle of drawing up a set of protocols long before we get to the situation where league positions understandably influence the individual approach of clubs to these difficult situations.

Celtic v Ross County - Scottish Premiership
Doncaster’s asked for feedback. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

“However, the proposal to allow the board a clearly specified and limited degree of authority to take action if we are unable to complete the season did not have sufficient support in the summer.

“Given the ongoing challenges caused to sport worldwide by Covid-19, several clubs have now indicated they have changed their position. The board wishes to establish if a sufficient number of clubs now wish to revisit this issue, so we can significantly reduce the uncertainty and division that arose towards the end of last season.