Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson has accused the SPFL of failing to show leadership as he reiterated the club’s belief that B teams being allowed entry to the SPFL is the “way forward” in Scotland.
Rangers and Old Firm rivals Celtic have pushed for Colts to be admitted to the SPFL for a number of years but have been unsuccessful, instead, having to find a home in the Lowland League.
Robertson thinks that the failure of the league to offer any sort of pathway for young players is proof of where the SPFL is going wrong, as he expressed his delight at the Lowland League agreeing to allow B teams into the fifth tier of the league pyramid on a pilot basis.
“We still believe wholeheartedly that B teams in the SPFL is the way forward,” Robertson told Rangers TV.
“Despite the SPFL talking about a Reserve League, they haven’t come up with an alternative.
“The SPFL talked about having a reserve league this year. The clubs didn’t want that so we’re now one of the very few leagues – if not the only – in Europe which doesn’t have a pathway for its players between the ages of 18 and 21.
“You’re looking for the authorities to actually lead in terms of these aspects of the game. But it’s been down to the clubs.
“We’re not getting that leadership. Where is Plan B or Plan C in terms of what we’re going to do for the development of our boys?
“We’re really keen and we will keep pressing but delighted the Lowland League have given us that opportunity.”
Rangers’ B team have won three of their opening four games in the Lowland League and have quickly caught the attention of fans, with all four games selling out.
Getting B teams into the SPFL is crucial to the long-term development of Scotland’s best young players and isn’t something that is open to only Rangers and Celtic – despite the perception otherwise.
Hopefully, Scotland can follow the lead of almost every major footballing nation in Europe and stop letting self-interest rule.
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