The Scottish Premier League has rejected a proposal to introduce a winter break next season, despite a fixture programme that has been interrupted by inclement weather this term.
Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith had backed the move following a back-log of matches that has built up in the SPL and the Scottish Cup.
Smith's stance was seconded by Rangers boss Walter Smith, who has seen seven of his team's games rearranged for various reasons this season.
However, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears as the SPL's board have elected against bringing in the proposed break.
SPL statement
"The SPL board decided today that season 2008/09 will commence on Saturday August 9 2008 and will not incorporate a winter break.
"The board agreed that a comprehensive review should be undertaken to examine the sporting, commercial and operational implications that a winter break in a variety of forms would have for players, clubs, supporters, and the game as a whole.
"The findings of this review will be considered by the SPL clubs at their 2008 Summer Strategy Conference."
(reopens) The SPL were keen to stress, however, that only one league match has fallen victim to the weather so far this season.
Other games were postponed to aid Scotland and Rangers' chances in Euro 2008 qualifying and the
Champions League respectively, as well as a mark of respect following the death of O'Donnell.
An SPL spokesman told PA Sport: "Only one SPL match has been postponed as a result of the weather and only four matches in the last three seasons have been called-off because of bad weather.
"Reviewing the winter break is in terms of giving players a rest and improving teams' chances in Europe as opposed to reviewing the winter break because of the bad weather."
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I don't really feel that a winter break is
that neccessary. As the above says, only 1 SPL game has been called off due to the weather. Credit there goes to the clubs and the groundsmen. The SFL league could probably do with a winter break. Frustrating as fook when you put a few SFL teams in your coupon and it gets called off
