
SPFL revamp cup competition in new 'Champions League-style' format
The competition, which is open to clubs from below the Premiership, as well as 'B' teams from some top-flight sides, will now be known as the KDM Evolution Trophy after a multi-year sponsorship deal was agreed with the construction firm.
Traditionally played as a straight knock-out cup competition, the new format will see most clubs play in an initial 'League Phase' inspired by UEFA's Champions League and other continental competitions.
The first round league phase will comprise ten League 1 clubs, ten League 2 clubs, and ten Premiership B-teams.
Clubs participating in the league phase of the competition will be split into three pots by division and regionalised into North and South sections, reducing travel costs for clubs and supporters across six league phase matchdays.
Points gained by clubs across six league phase matchdays will feed into a single league table, with the top 22 clubs qualifying for the seeded knock-out Round of 32.
William Hill Championship clubs will enter the competition from the Round of 32 as seeded clubs, alongside clubs finishing in the top six of the league phase, with the remainder of the competition following a traditional knock-out format
The new look comes with an increased prize pot, with £1.25m to be shared amongst the clubs, which is an increase of 50% on this year's competition. The team that lifts the trophy will collect £150,000 as champions.
Tournament organisers also hope that the cup can help to aid the development of young talent, with players aged 15 and over now eligible to compete. The change comes as part of an initiative from the Scottish FA and SPFL to provide more opportunities for players in the key 'transition phase' of ages 16-21 as they look to progress from academy football to senior first team games.
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: 'We've had long discussions with our member clubs and the Scottish FA about this new competition format and we've also introduced some key principles to reduce travel time and costs, particularly for William Hill League 1 and 2 clubs.
'We would lastly like to thank the SPFL Trust and the donors who support them, who have been fantastic supporters of this competition for the last four seasons.'
Ian Jones, chief executive of sponsors KDM Group, said: 'We're incredibly proud to support the launch of this exciting new football competition and to see the KDM Evolution Trophy come to life.
'The name reflects the evolution of our business, from a small shopfitting company to a leading international brand. It mirrors the journey of this tournament and the aspiring players it supports.
'Our investment in football spans all levels of the game, from grassroots to the professional stage. Through our KDM Group Soccer Centres, we provide primary-aged schoolgirls access to the game whilst having fun, helping to grow the game from the ground up. We've previously been the official partner of the Scottish Cup and are proud sponsors of the Scotland Women's National Team & Dunfermline Athletic FC.
'This new tournament is another step forward, providing a platform for talent to grow and evolve, just as we have.'
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Daily Record
27 minutes ago
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Findlay Curtis' phonecall of Rangers joy sparks tears from mum and dad as he makes a beeline for them
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Daily Record
27 minutes ago
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Scottish Sun
27 minutes ago
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Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FINDLAY CURTIS delivered a timely wake up call to a Rangers team sleepwalking towards a Champions League disaster. And last night the Ibrox youngster revealed it was all thanks to his mum. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 4 Findlay Curtis opens the scoring at Ibrox Credit: Reuters 4 The youngster celebrating his goal against Panathinaikos Credit: Reuters Having been told on Monday morning he'd be starting against Panathinaikos, the excited 18-year-old had trouble nodding off at night. It took his mum's reassuring voice to help him finally get to sleep - catching enough rest to ignite Gers' group stage dream less than 24 hours later. Curtis revealed: 'I found out I was starting on Monday morning. 'The manager named the team. I was speechless. 'I texted my mum and dad, told them, and they started crying. 'It was a good family moment. 'I didn't get much sleep on Monday night. 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Looked more composed as the game went on 6 JOHN SOUTTAR: Centre-back was booked for hauling Facundo Pellistri down on halfway line but redeemed himself with a fine clearing header from a corner 7 MAX AARONS: Boss Russell Martin's first signing started at left-back and had some edgy moments. Faces an even bigger test in the second leg in Athens next Wednesday 6 JOE ROTHWELL: New boy anchored midfield and assumed responsibility for set-piece duty. One important header out of his own box and tried to shield the centre-backs 7 NICOLAS RASKIN: Booked in a frantic start and was loose in possession in the first half. Freed Curtis for the crucial opening goal before twice being denied by Greek keeper 7 MOHAMED DIOMANDE: Got sight of goal but 20-yard shot was touched round post. Teed up midfield sidekick Raskin for good chance and freed Djeidi Gassama for his goal 7 KIERAN DOWELL: Back in from Siberia to start in an advanced role but was often on the fringes. Headed off target when presented with the chance to score 6 FINDLAY CURTIS: First European start for 18-year-old and he'll never forget the solo goal which broke the deadlock. Fouled by Georgios Vagiannidis for his second booking 8 DANILO: Rare start for striker with Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane on the bench. First-half volley deflected inches beyond far post in his closest attempt on goal 6 SUBS: Djeidi Gassama (7) marked debut with stunning second goal. Cyriel Dessers (3) last season's top scorer came on for Danilo. Hamza Igamane (3) headed wide at the far post. Nedim Bajrami (2) on late for Rothwell. 'I want to try to win every game. 'I hope to start more games this season. I'll just work my hardest. 'Obviously football is a difficult sport. 'It's about pushing people out of the way. I'm here to do that. 'There's a lot of competition in that dressing room, so I'll work my hardest to start games. 'It's down to the manager. 'Whoever the manager picks to start games, whether it's Saturday or the second game against Panathinaikos, I'll just work my hardest and tune in, and hopefully perform.' As the dust began to settle, Curtis was quick to pay tribute to teammates Nico Raskin and Joe Rothwell. The pair combined to talk the youngster through a difficult first 45 against Panathinaikos. And, having repaid them and his gaffer with a wonder goal, Curtis now hopes to kick on this season. 4 He reflected: 'The first 10 minutes, I thought we started well. 'Then there was a rough 10-15 minute period where it was dead sloppy. 'We came in at half-time and had a chat about it and came back out in the second half and I thought it changed. 'Obviously Panathinaikos are a great side. 'I spoke with Nico and Joe and they just said, 'calm yourself'. 'There were obviously some sloppy moments from me, which I take full responsibility for. 'I think it was just about passing the ball and taking touches on the ball. 'Knowing when to release, knowing when to dribble. 'At the goal, I think the first touch was the best part about it. 'Taking that touch, skinning the defender and putting it in the corner. 'That gave me the confidence boost to take the defenders on. 'The one for the red card, I took a touch inside and he got sent off. 'I think that confidence boost comes from passing the ball right and just doing the right things and right habits.' 4 On a night of nerve-shredding drama, Rangers had keeper Jack Butland to thank before Curtis' goal sent them on their way. The former England international pulled off THREE massive saves to deny Panathinaikos and put Gers in the driving seat ahead of next week's second leg in Athens. Curtis confessed: 'I thought Jack was excellent. 'He made big saves, with them hitting the post and then some in the six-yard box. 'I'd say it was just about confidence. 'We got the ball down and started playing our way. 'Obviously, that goal spurred us on to try to score more goals. 'But we know it's only half-time in the tie. 'I've heard it's very hot, so it's going to be hard in that heat. 'But hopefully, the boys get through us and get the win. 'Hopefully, it's a better outcome than last time, getting that draw against Olympiacos. 'I've been here since two pre-seasons ago now. 'The jump was hard at first. 'I was, what, 17 years old and jumping from the under-18s and through to the B-team straight into the first team. 'It was a big jump, but I think I've dealt with it well. 'Now, this pre-season, I think what I've come back and done is also bring that energy and bring that ability to play football. 'I hope the manager is liking what I'm producing and hopefully it just spurs me on.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page