Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Thumbs down for Old Firm colt plans
Both Airdrie and Albion Rovers have spoken out against plans to add two colt teams to the SPFL - which could go ahead from next season.
It has been claimed that League Two clubs have met with Rangers and Celtic chiefs to discuss a two-year pilot scheme.
The plan would see the division grow to 12 teams, and it is also said that the colt teams will also guarantee the purchase of a minimum of 250 tickets for each of its away fixtures at £10 per ticket.
However, representatives from both Monklands teams have spoken against the latest proposals.
The board at Albion Rovers and the Supporters Trust both have plans to meet and discuss a formal response to the new proposals.
Chairman Ronnie Boyd remained firmly against the move to bring the teams into the Scottish lower leagues.
“I am happy for the colt teams to get a place in the Irn-Bru Cup, but I have an issue with them being allowed into the league format,”he told the Advertiser.
“It’s not too long ago that we won League Two, which was a great achievement for the club.
“However, in my opinion bringing in the colt teams would diminish the competition.
“We have had informal talks with fans, and a poll has been conducted online.
“It’s a small sample size but the fans who are commenting do not seem to be entirely in favour of the move - to put it mildly.“
He added:“The promise of £15,000 in ticket sales is something I can see that would tempt clubs.
“That is a significant figure.”
The Airdrieonians Supporters Trust have previously polled fans on plans - and the majority of the fan base were against the idea.
A spokesperson for Broomfield fan group Diamonds for Change noted that they felt the system, which harnesses the loan system, is more of a benefit to young players.
They continued: “If you finish third top behind the colt teams you will be promoted; and if you finish third bottom with the colt teams below you you will be demoted.
“Something about that feels hollow.
“We don’t think supporters will be interested in watching colt teams.
“We think it makes a mockery of Scottish football”