The Scottish Premier League (SPL) confirmed that the SPL Reserve League and Clydesdale Bank U19 League will continue in their current formats for next season. The U21 rule applied to first team squads will also remain in place for 2009/10.

The first stage of a review looking at the transition between youth team and first team was carried out over the past few months. It concluded that in the longer term, refinements may have to be made to the current structures but, given the proximity to the start of next season, that they would be retained for next season. This confirmation will now enable the clubs to plan accordingly.
Further work is underway to draft proposals for consideration for longer term change. The clubs will be actively engaged in that process.

Iain Blair, SPL Company Secretary, said: “The development of young talent has been important to the SPL since it was set up. The debate we had on the relevant structures and rules was very healthy, as we must always challenge what we do to see if there is a better way. The next step is for us to take on board the feedback from the clubs and come up with proposals to gain their consensus.”

NOTES TO EDITOR:
Currently, for first team matches, clubs must have three outfield U21 players in their matchday squad of 18. For season 2008/09 that means players born after 1.1.87. Hibernian will be crowned Clydesdale Bank U19 League champions if they beat fourth-placed Motherwell at Fir Park in their final fixture today. Hibernian are bidding for their first title at this level and have suffered just two defeats all season but Rangers and Hearts, who have games in hand, are also in contention.

For more information - http://www.scotprem.com/content/default.asp?page=home_Under%2019s

Celtic will lift the SPL Reserve League title if they avoid defeat against Rangers on Tuesday 28th April.

For more information - http://www.scotprem.com/content/default.asp?page=home_Reserves

In line with the objective of promoting knowledge sharing and facilitating the exchange of information between Members and Associate Members and relevant stakeholders, the EPFL launched a Cycle of Conferences on “The Future of professional Football in Europe”.

These Conferences provide an excellent platform for updates about the value of football...More >