The Scottish Premier League is a step closer to creating a second division - two and a half years after first proposing it.

The Scottish Football League had contested a bid to introduce an SPL2, claiming it would breach a previous agreement between the two bodies.

But the Scottish FA's arbitration panel concluded on Thursday that a second tier would not breach the agreement.

"We welcome this outcome," said SPL executive chairman Lex Gold.

"It has taken quite some time to arrive at this conclusion.

"But the way is now clear for us to review this outcome with our clubs after which we will have discussions with our colleagues in the SFL.

"Our aim through all of this has been to enhance and strengthen the senior professional game in Scotland."

The proposal for a new top-flight structure of 22 clubs playing in two divisions was first introduced in 2006.

But the SFL challenged the proposal, insisting it woul ... Read more »

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo reveals anger at Marius Zaliukas

Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo is "angry and disappointed" with Marius Zaliukas after the defender's third sending-off of the season.

Dons teenagers Jonathan Crawford and Peter Pawlett are the latest to commit their futures to the Pittodrie club by signing contract extensions.

English midfielder Peter, who turned eighteen earlier this month, has signed a three year deal while defender Jonathan, who is a current Scotland Under 19 internationalist, will remain at the club until the summer of 2010.

Aberdeen youth team manager Neil Cooper commented, "We have high hopes for both Peter and Jonathan and both have already been involved on the bench for the first team while Peter travelled as part of the squad to Bayern Munich for last season's UEFA Cup tie. Their attitude is fantastic and if they continue to develop in the way they have so far, it won't be too long before they are pushing for a regular top team place. I'm also sure it won't be too long before Peter catches the eye of the English FA. We have asked him if he has a Scottish grandparent hidden away but sadly he hasn't."

The 19-year-old right-back is likely to go straight into the squad for Sunday's league clash with Celtic.

Vidal came through the youth system at Eastlands and spent September on loan at Grimsby Town.

He has represented England at various youth levels, including Under-19s, and was in the same squads as new team-mate Sone Aluko at U17 and U18 level.

Vidal is yet to make a first-team appearance for City but was played in the side which reached the 2006 FA Youth Cup final.

"Hopefully I'll be knocking on the first-team door," he told the Aberdeen website.

"I'm an attacking full-back, I like to get forward and create chances for strikers and midfielders.

"I can defend as well so it will be quite exciting for the fans.

"Scottish football is massive, to be fair, a very good standard.

"Celtic and Rangers: you've just got to look at their European success to know how big ... Read more »

Jan 5 2009 By Chris Roberts

SCOTT BROWN last night pledged his future to Celtic and insisted he isn't interested in a big-money move to the Premiership.

The midfielder has been linked with a £9million January transfer to Portsmouth and other clubs in England are likely to be keeping an eye on him.

The credit crunch has had a crippling effect on some of the biggest outfits down south and West Ham are just one top-flight side who have made every first-team player available.

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan insisted his club are in a "different world" to those outfits and don't need to sell anyone. That is music to the ears of Brown and the club's supporters.

He said: "I'm a Celtic player and I'm enjoying it just now. I want to keep that going. I'm enjoying winning ga ... Read more »

St Mirren Park in Paisley's Love Street will host its final game on Saturday before the club move to a new stadium in the town's Ferguslie area

The visit of Well marks Saints' final match at their old self-titled ground, which will forever be remembered simply as 'Love Street'.

"St Mirren has a special place in history and the park plays a big part in that," said Fitzpatrick.

"It'll be very, very emotional le ... Read more »

Gow and Webster have had contrasting experiences in English football

Rangers manager Walter Smith will decide this month if Andy Webster and Alan Gow have a future at Ibrox after their return from spells on loan.

Defender Webster and forward Gow were shipped out along with several younger players, including midfielder Dean Furman, to find first-team football.

But Smith hinted that some were nearing the end of their time with Rangers.

"As is part and parcel of the transfer windo ... Read more »