Football: Football League to vote on plan for 12-club 'Super League'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Football League will consider plans for its own 12-club "Super League" for Nationwide teams. That is one of the four radical proposals that will be presented to the 72 member clubs at a meeting in London tomorrow. If it is accepted, moves to alter the League's structure could be under way by February.
Two separate working parties have been preparing proposals to present to the clubs. The first deals with an overhaul of the existing rule book to simplify the current regulations. The second is sure to create more controversy with its ideas for a radical shake-up of the current structure of three divisions of 24 clubs.
The League's working party proposes four alternatives:
1) Three divisions of 20, 26 and 26 clubs respectively with increased promotion and relegation between the divisions.
2) Four divisions of either 18 or 20 clubs with increased promotion and relegation.
3) Six divisions of 12 clubs with increased promotion and relegation.
4) The creation of a Football League Super League of 12 clubs with two divisions of 24 and another division of 12.
Gary Speed has taken Everton by surprise by asking for a transfer in order to set up a move to Newcastle. Speed is so unhappy at the way Everton's fortunes have taken a downward turn that he has asked to leave.
After 750 games for Everton, Neville Southall was told yesterday that he can leave on loan. Southall, 39, had already been told he can leave Everton on a free transfer whenever Kendall found a replacement. The club gave a debut to Norwegian keeper Thomas Myhre at Leeds on Saturday, the pounds 800,000 signing from Viking Stavanger putting in an inspiring display.
Southall is keen to step into management and has been linked with the West Bromwich job. He tried unsuccessfully for the post before Ray Harford - now at Queen's Park Rangers - was appointed10 months ago.
Nottingham Forest hope to reach a settlement with Anderlecht by Christmas over the 1984 Uefa Cup bribery affair. Forest are seeking more than pounds 1m compensation after the Belgian club admitted paying a "loan" to the referee of the second leg of the 1984 semi-final, in which Anderlecht beat Forest.
Darren Jackson marked his first start since undergoing brain surgery with a goal as Celtic beat Aberdeen 2-0 last night.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments