The Scotsman reports via the Daily Mail that Rangers and Celtic will soon be hit by a major blow courtesy of their fellow Premiership clubs, with the latest Colts proposal ‘set to be rejected.’
The Gers and the Hoops have been pushing for Colts teams to be permitted entry to the SPFL pyramid for some time.
It would provide regular competitive senior football for the young talent on the books of both clubs, reducing the need for Academy players to be sent out elsewhere on loan.
The concept is long-established in some European league systems, such as Spain’s.
Previous attempts to convince fellow SPFL member clubs of the potential benefits failed, but this time, a cash incentive of £1.5m to be spread amongst current League One and Two clubs is reportedly on the table, while the league system would be restructured from 12-10-10-10 to 12-12-10-10.
Resistance from at least some lower league clubs is likely, but it may not even get to that stage, as, according to The Scotsman via the Daily Mail, Aberdeen, Dundee United and Hibs are amongst the top-flight clubs said to have reservations.
Eleven of the 12 Premiership clubs would need to back the proposal for it to pass and a vote won’t even be called unless it’s thought that it has a realistic chance of passing.
It’s taken some time to put this latest proposal together and if it doesn’t even make it as far as a vote, it’s hard to see the Colts dream ever becoming a reality for Rangers or Celtic.
The Gers continue to invest major sums into their Academy, but with the SPFL Reserve League deemed not fit for purpose by the club, the loan exoduses look set to continue for the foreseeable future.
One exciting teenager, who Michael Beale rates highly, scored an important goal in the EFL on Tuesday night.
