Talks on how the ticket allocation should be split for the Ramsdens Cup final between Rangers and Raith Rovers are progressing well.
With Hampden unavailable due to Commonwealth Games preparations, Hibernian’s 20,421-capacity Easter Road stadium will host the game on April 6 with the match being screened live by BBC Alba.
But even though the Ramsdens Cup showpiece remains five months away, the difficult work of deciding where Raith and Rangers fans are to be housed is said to be well under way.
The decision to take the Ramsdens Cup final to Easter Road has not been without controversy but the SPFL have stood by their choice of venue and are hoping it will be an occasion to remember for the participating clubs.
Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL, told Courier Sport that their officials were working with officials from Raith Rovers, Rangers, hosts Hibernian and Police Scotland representatives to come up with firm plans for the fixture as soon as possible.
“Discussions regarding segregation and ticketing arrangements for the Ramsdens Cup final are ongoing,” he said.
“We are working closely with Police Scotland, the host club and both finalists to come to a set of arrangements which are suitable for all parties and, importantly, for the fans.
“As soon as these are confirmed we, in conjunction with both clubs, will communicate the arrangements to supporters at the earliest opportunity.”
A number of issues will be looked at before the match arrangements are finalised, and Courier Sport understands the support both clubs have taken to major semi-finals and finals in recent years will be a key factor when it comes to deciding their respective ticket allocations.
Rovers took more than 8,000 fans to the Scottish Cup semi-final against Dundee United at Hampden in 2010, and there has been speculation that the Kirkcaldy club could therefore be in line to be given the new East Stand which holds around 6,400 supporters.
However, Raith have stressed that only “initial talks” have been held on the segregation arrangements and that nothing has been decided yet.
The same is true for ticket prices, with early rumours that tickets will be priced in the region of £25 also said to be premature.
Tickets for last season’s Ramsdens Cup final between Queen of the South and Partick Thistle at Livingston were priced at a maximum of £15 for adults but admission for this April’s showpiece is expected to be among the last issues dealt with by those finalising match arrangements.
Rangers boss Ally McCoist has said he has “no problem” playing the final at Easter Road but suggested Celtic Park or even Tynecastle may have been the more appropriate venue.
“It baffles me to be honest with you,” he said of the decision. “If I’m the managing director of the sponsors, I would want it at the biggest venue.
“If the Scottish Cup final can be held at Celtic Park, I would have thought the Ramsdens could have been held at Celtic Park.
“With the increased opportunity for coverage and, indeed, revenue it would have been more sensible to me.
“But they decided to take the game to Edinburgh and, in doing that, I would have given it to the club that need the money.
“I would have given it to a team in administration and tried to help them out that way. But, for whatever reason, the game is being played at Easter Road, which we are fine about.”
Before Easter Road was named as the venue, Raith chairman Turnbull Hutton stressed his preference for the game to be played at a neutral venue following reports that Ibrox itself might have been considered.