According to Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston, a second tier to the Scottish Premier League could be up and running as quickly as next season. Dunfermline could be among the clubs invited to join any new division, and Yorkston believes the competition may even be introduced next season.

He said: "I think if people get their act together, start moving now, basically all it's going to need is a change of name to start with."

The SPL believe the creation of a new top-flight structure of 22 clubs playing in two divisions will "enhance and strengthen" the game and could serve as a catalyst for the introduction of a pyramid system similar to that in England.