Deadline set over Rangers and Celtic plans that would raise £3m for SPFL clubs

Clubs have been given until July 7 to decide if they will back reconstruction proposals which would see Rangers and Celtic Colts join SPFL League Two next season.

With the Old Firm fielding a B team in the Lowland League season, talks have taken place over plans that would see the SPFL increased to 48 teams over 4 divisions of 12, with Rangers and Celtic Colts the first two added.

The Daily Mail’s Stephen McGowan has reported that there is opposition from clubs in various divisions to the plans, with the backing sought before a decision is made to take it to a formal vote of clubs – although HITC understands that several Premiership clubs have expressed their own interest previously.

Heavy investment from Rangers and Celtic could sway the balance

Rangers and Celtic would pay just short of £300,000 each year for the next five years for the right to field a second string side in the senior leagues, putting a total of around £3million into the lower tiers.

With the current set-up only intended for one year, Rangers and Celtic are looking at the longer-term for their best youngsters and it will be interesting to see whether it advances further this time.

If either side doesn’t hit the ground running in the Lowland League the critics will quickly be out, despite the emphasis being on developing young talent rather than simply getting short-term results on the pitch.

In other news, Report: Tottenham speak to 47-year-old, talks involved Kane and Son, he's now favourite