Lowland league clubs have given initial approval for Rangers and Celtic to enter ‘B’ teams into their set-up next season.
It has been said that this move will be for one season only and that promotion as well as relegation will not apply to the Old Firm sides.
In what is a contested plan, there are very clear pros and cons in terms of developing players in a ‘competitive’ environment but other questions remain.
Sky Sports revealed the update, earlier this evening:
‘Rangers and Celtic can enter ‘B’ teams to take part in the Scottish Lowland League for next season only.’
‘Lowland league clubs voted over the proposal on Monday with “majority of clubs” opting in favour of introducing the Glasgow clubs.’
‘An SLFL statement: “The Scottish Lowland Football League can confirm that member clubs have voted in favour of a proposal allowing Rangers and Celtic ‘B’ teams to take part in next season’s competition – for one season only.’
“The meeting of clubs was called following discussions between the SLFL Board to consider the proposal.”
“Work (will) now be undertaken to make the required rule changes to allow this to happen.”
Questions
Why does Scotland need four levels of senior football?
What is in the best interests of developing young Scottish talent?
Those are just two questions at the heart of this debate.
Many vested and subjected views are competing to be heard but something has to give.
It’s ok from a Rangers perspective to be able to offer a lump sump as an ‘entry fee’ to the Lowland league but there is a collective will and need for positive improvement and in fairness to those in power at Ibrox, they have been proposing solutions.
For now, the majority of lowland clubs have approved this move so we will very quickly see what materialises.
The debate is now live and in-play.