Stewart Regan has urged the country's lower-league clubs to free the game from a culture of "acrimony and bitterness" at a crucial vote today.

A ballot on reconstruction and merging the two league governing bodies will be taken by the 29 SFL clubs which hold full membership rights (Rangers as associate members cannot vote).

They will decide whether to support the 12-10-10-10 structure, with play-offs, which already has been unanimously supported by the SPL clubs.

The move would see the SPL and SFL merge to create a new, Scottish Professional Football League.

If it gains insufficient support the Division One clubs will seek to breakaway and join with the existing SPL clubs.

It is unclear how today's vote will go but the meeting at Hampden is the last chance for the leagues to be revamped in time for next season.

SFA chief executive Regan said: "We are now at the 11th hour. The clock is ticking towards the start of the new season and decisions have to be made. To wait any longer means there won't be change collectively for all 42 clubs.

"If the decision doesn't go in favour of the resolution, then the First Division clubs could choose to go and knock on the door of the SPL and ask to be part of that.

"Scotland seems to thrive on acrimony and bitterness within football. We've got to get away from that. This is about doing what is right for the game," he added.