Scottish football has yet to plot a way forward after the 12 SPL clubs failed to reach a final agreement over proposed changes to the game.
Representatives from the top-flight sides discussed plans for a 10-team division at a full, three-hour meeting at Hampden, which was originally pencilled in as the time to vote on SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster’s draft plan.
With no consensus forthcoming, the big decision now is whether to even hold a ballot in May or continue talks over the summer.
Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson, representing the Tangerines at the gathering, said, “It was a tough meeting and some very difficult decisions have still to be taken.”
Kilmarnock supremo Michael Johnston was not optimistic about the likelihood of consensus emerging soon.
“I think we are just where we were when the meeting started,” he said. “There are people strongly in favour, there are people strongly against.
“There are a number of people sitting in the middle. In some meetings they seem to be more in favour, other meetings they are more against the proposals.
“But I think the bottom line is there is still work to be done before we reach a situation where everybody is going to agree that there is a plan for the way forward.
“There are also some fundamental issues which I have, which need to be addressed.”
Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne was more upbeat, suggesting a vote was still possible next month.
“I think it is still moving in the right direction,” said Milne. “There is a bit of work to do but I think there will be a vote some time in the middle of May.”
When asked if the clubs were heading for a reduced top division, Milne said, “I think we are on course to go somewhere.
“It’s still very much the plan that is on the table.”
In other business, St Johnstone director Steve Brown was elected to the SPL board.