Reserve league football could return as part of SFA plan to revamp Scottish game ... reports THE SUNDAY MAIL
THE SFA are pushing for the return of reserve football to the Scottish game next season.
And they want it to be given a showcase on a Monday night, played in the clubs' own stadiums.
The last incarnation of the second-string league was axed by the SPL in the summer of 2009 after a vote by clubs.
But many of those sides have expressed regret over the decision after finding it impossible to get action for fringe players, returning crocks and kids no longer eligible for the Under-19s.
Now SFA performance director Mark Wotte has presented plans for a revamp which will bring the stiffs back from the dead.
At a seminar on Monday for managers and coaches, the Dutchman outlined a blueprint for a new league, which will be made up of Under-20s sides who will be allowed to field two over-age players and an over-age keeper.
But the beaks are only prepared to back the initiative financially if clubs commit to giving it a proper slot.
The demise of the reserve league was hastened when SPL sides started playing what had become an Under-21 set-up at junior grounds and training parks, played mostly on midweek afternoons.
The SFA believe that took the game away from the punters, which is why they want to see the return to the tradition of the games being played in the clubs' stadiums on a uniform night to encourages fans to go along.