Celtic and Rangers in British Premier League doubts from football finance expert

Rangers and Celtic’s reported invite to a cross-border British Premier League might not be as welcome as previously thought, according to an expert in football finances.

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Celtic's Scott Brown and James Tavernier during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Park, on May 02, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Celtic's Scott Brown and James Tavernier during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Park, on May 02, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
Celtic's Scott Brown and James Tavernier during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Park, on May 02, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

The Old Firm pair were reported targets of a revamped British League including the biggest clubs in England in plans which emerged after the failure of the European Super League proposals.

It was said the ‘Big Six’ in England were preparing to lure the Glasgow clubs away from the SPFL to form an 18-team top-flight with an increased marketing pull.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

West Ham manager David Moyes welcomed the idea of a two-tier system including the two Scottish sides – an idea regularly floated and proposed in 2009 by Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside, but one which ultimately fell due to lack of support.

However the commercial side of the bargain doesn’t stack up for Kieran Maguire. The author and co-host of The Price of Football podcast has doubts over the benefits of Rangers and Celtic making the move - and who would support their entry.

Read More
British League: What would it mean for Celtic, Rangers and Scottish football?

Even though the idea of taking Celtic and Rangers south emerged from a think-tank led by big clubs including Liverpool and Manchester United – he doesn’t think they would be in favour.

“I don't see how they could be parachuted in,” he told Football Insider.

“Why would Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool etc vote for a PL 2? After all, they would probably have to give a bigger proportion of their money towards it.

"Where are they going to get the votes from?”

Get a year of unlimited access to all The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis of the biggest games, exclusive interviews, live blogs, transfer news and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today

Related topics: