Partick Thistle frustrated in quest for SPFL fixture list compensation
Thursday 30 June 2016 09:18, UK
Partick Thistle have been frustrated in their bid to be compensated for having been granted only two Glasgow derbies at Firhill next season.
When the SPFL fixtures were released on June 17, Thistle - along with Motherwell and Hamilton - were given only one Premiership home game against both Celtic and Rangers before the end-of-season split while Hearts, Inverness and Dundee each have two home matches against the Glasgow giants.
All clubs were guaranteed three Old Firm home games before Rangers dropped out of the top flight in 2012.
Home matches against the Old Firm provide crucial revenue streams for Scottish clubs as they look to manage their budgets.
After a meeeting with the Premiership authorities, Thistle confirmed they would have to adjust their spending plans, but hoped the playing side of the cub would not be affected.
A statement read: "The SPFL has confirmed to us that there is to be no compensation paid to clubs disadvantaged by the fixture list.
"While clearly disappointed at this outcome, in a wide-ranging discussion, it became apparent to us that the current situation had arisen from a breakdown in communications leading to unintended consequences for us and two other clubs.
"There was agreement that while we, as a club, had not anticipated changes to the fixturing process when compared with historical practice, the SPFL had not considered the impact of making these changes without first informing the clubs affected.
"We still intend to meet with other Premiership clubs to discuss the best way to ensure fairness for all clubs, thus avoiding any financial or sporting disadvantage happening in future seasons. The SPFL has agreed to consider any proposals that we come forward with as a group.
"The club wishes to reassure fans that, despite this setback, the board has decided to maintain the increased playing budget for the coming season to support our ambitions for greater success in 2016/17.
"We remain committed to maintaining our debt-free status and, while our focus will be on securing additional revenue to achieve this, cuts will require to be made to non-essential parts of the budget."
