Entertainment in football

on the proposed reconstruction of the Scottish Football League into four

divisions of 10 clubs each, in particular that such a format will do

absolutely nothing to further the game as a spectator sport or to

enhance the skills of the game (March 29).

Teams playing each other four times per season may add to the

competitiveness of the Premier League, and possibly to a lesser degree

the First Division, but I can see it do nothing more than drive the

spectators away, especially from the lower divisions, if nothing is done

to encourage improvement in the quality and entertainment value of the

games.

As usual the only people who are not allowed an opinion are the

supporters, and it is left to the usual collection of vested interests

to work out the future set-up. Surely it would have made sense to follow

the suggestion of Kilmarnock chairman Bobby Fleeting and commission an

independent study into the game before tinkering with the set-up yet

again. Indeed had this advice been followed I am sure the present

12-club divisions would not have come about.

In any new set-up we want to be able to ensure that there is an

environment to foster skill in preference to brawn and athleticism, and

also encouragement for clubs to improve the facilities for spectators.

On the skill factor it would probably take a considerable time to

change present attitudes but some method of rewarding goal-scoring, by

more than the benefits of not conceding goals, can surely be devised.

Much has been made of the idea that the composition of the ''new''

leagues must be based on merit. As a paying customer I consider that

provision for spectator comforts as well as results on the park have to

be looked at under this heading.

Any clubs who are ambitious enough to want to move up in status must

progress both on and off the park. The days when fans would stand in the

open in all kinds of weather to watch football are gone and the next

generation of supporters will be considerably fewer in number if this is

not taken on board.

The recent provision, by some clubs, of family enclosures and

parent-and-child gates are welcome if long overdue improvements.

I hope that you will continue to carry articles in the same vein as

that written by James Traynor and that the clubs will be encouraged to

come to their senses before such a retrograde step is taken.

John B. Miller,

1 Barrmill Road,

Burnhouse,

By Beith.