Hearts to vote in favour of 12-12-18 shake-up plan

Hearts will vote in favour of proposals to change Scotland's league structure in time for next season.

SPL clubs are due to vote on the 12-12-18 proposal at Hampden on Monday, with an 11-1 majority needed to carry the plan.

St Mirren plan to vote against the proposal and BBC Scotland understands Ross County are also opposed.

"While by no means perfect, (the proposal) delivers a series of important improvements," Hearts said.

The set-up would involve the top two divisions splitting into three leagues of eight midway through the season.

Other features of the proposals include a revised financial distribution model and the merging of the SPL and SFL, with the Scottish Football Association having also been heavily involved in the protracted discussions.

But, if SPL clubs do not vote it through, it is likely the current make-up of 12-10-10-10 will continue for next season.

Explaining the club's stance, Hearts said the proposal for 12-12-18 would increase competition for the top 24 clubs, "with almost every game at every stage in the season having value for spectators, broadcasters and sponsors".

"Hearts believes, as one of the most established and largest clubs in Scottish football, that it has a responsibility to the game in this country and that the new proposed 12-12-18 structure, while by no means perfect, delivers a series of important improvements," the statement continued.

"These are improvements we, along with many other clubs and their supporters, have lobbied for in recent years.

"It is incumbent on us to deliver change for the game as a whole and in turn improve the longer term prospects of all clubs, at all levels, within the game."

Meanwhile, Aberdeen chairman Stuart Milne feels Scottish football "is on its knees financially" and that 12-12-18 is a viable alternative.

"The fact that it is an all-through distribution system is going to bring benefits right down through all the clubs," he added.

Motherwell, both Dundee clubs and Inverness CT have all publically stated they are in favour of the proposal.