The Scottish FA's chief football officer, Craig Mulholland, is revising his youth development plan after at least three Premiership clubs raised concerns, with changes being made to secure the necessary votes.
Mulholland pitched the plan to clubs at a summit in St Andrews to address the lack of game time for young Scottish players. However, after meetings with clubs over recent weeks, the plan faced resistance, prompting adjustments to try and achieve the required 11-1 majority from Premiership clubs.
Concerns over playing time rules
According to The Scottish Sun, one of the major issues was a requirement for clubs to play U21 players for an average of 60 minutes per game. The original plan also included two U21 players starting all Scottish Cup and Premier Sports Cup matches, with one on the pitch at all times.
At least three top-flight clubs raised concerns, forcing Mulholland into a partial rethink. The plan is his first major initiative since being appointed to the Hampden role earlier this year, having previously served as Rangers' academy chief.
Possible changes and incentives
Mulholland is open to suggestions from concerned clubs. One potential change could involve altering the age limit from Under 21s to Under 23s, along with reviewing financial incentives.
Chief executive Ian Maxwell has set aside £1 million for clubs that buy into the plan.
Mulholland's response
Speaking after the plan was launched, Mulholland said: "I'm not naive. It might not be pushed through, but we will work as hard as we can to do something because the young Scottish players deserve it."
Initial feedback suggested the plan did not go far enough for some clubs. "We would like to have gone further, but have to find a balance that works for our clubs," he added. "We went with this as we think this is the most important first item. What we need to do is say league reconstruction, B teams, everything else, it needs to stay on the table as part of Scottish football elite player development plan which we'll try and complete by the end of the year."
