Colt teams are back on the agenda in Scottish football but there are plenty of people who think the horse has already bolted when it comes to our game.
The Rangers proposal for a 14-14-18 set up, with B teams in the bottom division is due to land in the inboxes of clubs tomorrow but the debate has already started.
Ivor Clark, Peebles, said: “It’s no wonder Scottish football is down the pan as no matter what is proposed to help or progress the game it is automatically met with a blanket of negativity.
“Do all of these experts not realise football in Scotland is broken and urgently needs fixing? B teams are okay for Barcelona and Real Madrid but the minute it is the Old Firm it is black balled.”
Celtic fan William Hutchison, Aberdeen, said: “I would like to see the 14-14-18 set-up – but keep it for good. If it means getting rid of that stupid split we have at the moment then get it done.”
The 14-team format will still have a split, mind you, while Kevin Lord, Drylaw, said: “What if Colt teams were drawn against parent clubs in the cup? Do the Premiership clubs get a bye? Why only Celtic and Rangers? Why not Hibs, who have a great youth history? There’s so many questions.”
Alan McGaw, Alloa, said: “I agree with Keith Jackson backing Rangers with their new proposal 14-14-18 league. It would be great for the Scottish game also for TV companies and the fans of he Old Firm Colts would generate cash for the bottom section clubs. Let’s hope the rest of the clubs see sense with this idea.”
Stevie Delaney, St Andrews, said: “The late great Jock Stein farmed out young players like Kenny Dalglish to Junior sides to bring them on. Having the Colts in amongst some battle scarred pros in the lower leagues is surely worth a try?”
Dave Dooley, Liverpool, said: “No wonder people outside Scotland call the Scottish league a diddy league. The same team winning every thing every year and when anybody looks for a change the tail wags the dog.
“Small teams with no ambition stopping teams like Kelty Hearts And Brora Rangers from progressing. The proposal to let reserve teams into the league is a good one but the diddy teams will object.”
Rangers have been quick to recruit this summer with Calvin Bassey arriving from Leicester City, and talk about Lewis Ferguson from Aberdeen.
But Dons fan Alan McPherson, Cullen, said: “The days when Rangers only had to snap their fingers and so called diddy teams would roll over and sell their best players for pennies are well and truly over. If they want him they would have to stump up at least £7m, but he is destined for much higher destinations.”
Over the city, Celtic fan Kevin Keene emailed: “Now Jozo Simunovic has gone once again we are very thin on central defenders and we will be heavily reliant on Hatem Abd Elhamed both in the middle and right back.
“I think we should go for Alex Gogic who is now a free agent having left Hamilton Accies. He’s a strong, rugged, no-nonsense defender.”
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: Like every other season Celtic are going about their business quietly. Once again Rangers are linked with with everyone. As always time will tell. The big question is how much longer will the sugar daddies keep on handing the money to Gerrard to squander.”
