Old Firm still kingpins in SPL revamp says Alastair Johnston

RANGERS chairman has warned that any potential revamp of the SPL must not diminish the Old Firm's status as the flag-bearers for Scottish football.

The SPL is currently exploring a range of options for league reconstruction. They include expanding the competition from 12 to anything up to 18 teams – which could see sides playing each other only twice each season – and modifying or abolishing the split.

Johnston is happy to let chief executive Martin Bain negotiate on Rangers' behalf in any discussions on the matter with other SPL clubs. However, he said a strong Old Firm would remain crucial to the future well-being of the Scottish game.

He said: "It's very important that we find a consensus that everyone buys into. I think most of the SPL clubs have done very well in the difficult economic climate we are working in.

"In all honesty, however, Scottish football needs a strong Rangers and a strong Celtic because they are the poster boys of our game, if you will.

"It's very important to get recognition of Scottish football around the world and we need Rangers and Celtic to do that.

"I was with the president of ESPN, George Bodenheimer, who is a good friend of mine, last week and I was telling him that our TV contract rights are too skinny. He said to me, 'Well, just give us Rangers and Celtic every week'.

"He was being a little facetious but he was also being realistic."

Johnston also told the Rangers News: "I am certainly not saying that the rest of the clubs should bow down to Rangers and Celtic. But I think there is a general acknowledgement that for the general good of the league, the Old Firm need to be strong to present a good image of Scottish football."