The Old Firm

The discussion at work today was centred around the prospect of Celtic and Rangers joining the English league, Celtic Cheif Executive Peter Lawell has said Celtic would be happy to start at the bottom of English football with the future outcome being part of the Premiership.

I think the initial reaction of all Celtic fans, would be..NO WAY!!!!


After some more thinking I am really for the idea, I have always thought that Celtic and Rangers leaving the SPL would benefit everyone, from the SPL's point of view, it would instantly turn into and open league, with any of 4-6 teams winning it, thus giving 1 or 2 teams a chance in the Champions League, leading to bigger name players going to the league and those teams could become stronger over time, creating hopefully a better league, the trouble would come from the TV station not being as interested in striking a deal, I'm sure they could still acheive some kind of deal.

And Celtic and Rangers could realistically achieve promotion to the Premiership in at least 6 years, of course it would be very tough it first, what players would stay and who would jump ship, the big name europeans would leave, and probably the impressive British players would move on to Premiership/Championship teams.

They would have enough clot to bring in the best players from the SPL and League 1 etc, to advance up the leagues, Once they made it up to the Championship they would both have more money than they ever have had in the SPL, taking away Champions League income which I think would be offset by the owners who do have money behind them, but don't invest as much into the teams at the moment, as it's not an investment, but with the prospect of Premiership football on the horizon it would be worthwhile.

Dermot Desmond one of the Celtic board members is one of the richest men in Britain, and could quite easily help the backing of the team, Rangers are part owned by EINC who are also involved with Spurs, although the FA may have an issue with this, they could bankroll Rangers rise.
The question is always asked to me,


"How well do you think Celtic would do in the Premiership?"


I'd love it if there was a simple answer, but there's not, right now Celtic live of money from fans and european football, only receiving £2m for winning the SPL, so with that kind money, to be able to compete in the Champions League and Europa Cup, is an achievement, and with the team right now, we could compete in the Premiership, we would not be of the top 6 level, but I woudl think we would come between 11th and 16th, I don't think we would go down, or Rangers for that matter.

However once inducted into the English league after 4-5 years even be it, 2 years in the Championship and 3 years in the Premiership we would be up there challenging the European places.

With over £30m to spend each year, the Old Firm could attract players of a high standard, Glasgow is an attractive place to play, the Stadia and fan base is already in place, and both teams would prosper so much.

Another road block, is of course how they would enter the league, no matter where you put them, someone is not going to be happy, If they go straight in the EPL, every football league club would be furious, and if they entered at League 2, every non league club would let their feeling known.

Personally I think there will be a restructure of the EPL and Championship, and Celtic and Rangers would be involved, starting on the Championship plateau, ready and waiting to move up to the big boys.