The addition of Rangers and Celtic Colts teams to the Lowland League has received the backing of Hamilton Accies manager Brian Rice [Sky Sports Scotland Twitter].
It emerged late on Monday evening that the majority of Lowland League clubs had voted in favour of a proposal to permit entry to the Old Firm ‘B’ teams for next season only.
It’s a step in the right direction as far as the Gers and the Hoops are concerned, after multiple attempts to gain access to the SPFL failed.
The decision has provoked a considerable backlash across the Scottish game, with fans and organisations like the East of Scotland Football League all speaking out against it.
Accies boss Rice has sided with the Gers and the Lowland League, though.
“It happens all over Europe and I can see the benefits,” said Rice [Sky Sports Scotland Twitter]. “I just think it’s fantastic. There’s got to be a pathway for young players.”
“My pathway here is playing in the first team, whether that’s playing in the Premier League or wherever. The bigger clubs haven’t got that pathway at this moment in time. So, for them to find a route to get the players playing, I think it’s great news.”
Entry into the SPFL would have been the ideal outcome for Rangers but a season in the Lowland League could prove to be extremely beneficial for some talented players in the early stages of their development.
After a campaign heavily disrupted by the pandemic, a structured league with regular competitive fixtures will be a welcome change for the young Gers.
In other news, Rangers have been dealt multiple injury blows ahead of their clash with Livingston on Wednesday evening.
