Gold met about 14 SFL clubs earlier today to discuss proposals for an SPL2 and sensed an "energy" to move the plans forward.

The SPL, who are involved with a dispute with the SFL over a financial settlement for the remaining clubs, had proposed the new-look structure to start in August 2008.

But Gold revealed some clubs hoped to have the new system - which would see the 12-team top flight and a 10-team SPL2 - in place by the start of next season.

Teams would be admitted on "sporting merit", he added, with no suggestion any of the Second Division clubs involved in talks would be parachuted in to the expanded SPL.

The First Division clubs remained in discussion after Gold left his Hampden offices tonight.

Gold said he believed an August 2008 start was "do-able" but added: "There was a feeling in the room amongst some of them that they want to move quicker.

"Others had more modest aspirations. It would be difficult."

The SPL are in dispute with the SFL over the financial settlement should the plan happen.

The SPL currently give £1.6million a season to the SFL clubs and wants to reduce that to just more than £1million.

Gold said; "The next step for us is we're waiting for the SFA to arbitrate on our disagreement with the SFL.

"We have an element of frustration that the process in Scottish football always grinds exceedingly slow.

"We believe there is a need to improve the top level of our game.

"The gap between ourselves and the First Division will grow unless that is addressed.

"Some of the frustration we have had is we put forward our proposals on August 17.

"Just under eight months on there have been no substantive discussions about the proposals."

But he stressed the ball was in the court of the clubs.

Gold added: "It's a matter for them and not for us - we are not in the business of trying to shape things."