Former Aberdeen and Scotland defender Willie Miller
Why do we need serious change? Is it an issue with getting young players through the academies? What is actually wrong with our game in Scotland?
We’ve qualified for three major tournaments. The fans seem to be buying in to the league set-up. The numbers are up and the numbers seem to speak for themselves.
I’m all for them getting together, I’m all for the authorities speaking to the clubs. There are issues and there are problems. There will be resistance. What we’re talking about here is trying to create a pathway to allow the players to get into the first team.
Dundee manager and former Scotland defender Steven Pressley
We’re finally beginning to see some of our young players playing in the lower leagues [on loan via co-operation agreements]. Young players playing games in a competitive, man’s environment from an early age is critical.
Often, players that you don’t think are the ones that’ll come through are often the ones that come through just when they get opportunity and exposure. Players just surprise you with opportunity.
Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson
The league needs to be bigger. There’s something in every game in England with 24 teams. You have periods of the season where you can throw younger kids in for six, seven games without any repercussions.
Here, everything matters – European spot, top six or relegation. Other leagues have put caps on the amount of players and homegrown. Certainly we’re doing our part.
Former Hearts, Motherwell and Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday
There’s a vast amount of change needed, from the ground up. There has to be x amount of Scottish talent in a matchday squad. There has to be a clearer pathway between youth football and first-team football.
From grassroots up, there’s a multitude of changes that have to be made. We have to deliberately delay 11 v 11 football. Can it go back to nine-a-side football? Technique should be paramount.
