The Scottish Premiership seems certain to be up and running next season. Plans by the 10 premier division clubs to establish a new league by August were backed at two special general meetings of the Scottish League at Hampden Park yesterday. Votes ranged from 49-29 to 46-32, meaning two or three first division clubs lent their support to the top flight teams.

The breakaway group plan to increase membership of the new Premiership to 12 clubs the season after next and that could have swayed a few votes in their favour.

Now the matter will go before the league management committee tomorrow.