SFA hit back at Ibrox Colt claims

ended, to give clubs an opportunity to fully consider the potential benefits without the pressures of implications of a season impacted by COVID-19.

“We are therefore surprised that Stewart is quoted on Rangers TV saying “the biggest frustration is that [the] paper has still never gone to the clubs. You’d need to ask Scottish FA and SPFL why”.

“This agreement also came with the additional recommendation that any discussion on improving elite talent development would require the support of all SPFL members, not least those clubs in the lower leagues who would require to accommodate any B teams.”

The Old Firm have tried and failed on several occasions to push ahead with the Colt team proposal and have repeatedly been met with opposition from clubs and supporters across the SPFL structure.

Sporting director Ross Wilson and Craig Mulholland, the head of academy at Auchenhowie, made their case for B sides in that same RangersTV interview, which was released on Thursday evening.

Entry into the Lowland League is the latest attempt from the Old Firm to introduce their young players to a professional and competitive environment and Petrie has defended the SFA’s track record when it comes to youth development.

Petrie said: “The perception that this paper would be to the benefit of two clubs in particular would likely present a challenge to those leading on the innovation paper and in any final vote.

“On Stewart’s comments regarding being “frustrated at the lack of transition pathway for our young players”, it should be noted that the Scottish FA has over many years worked with clubs to establish the optimum model for elite talent development and transition.

“This has included removal of the reserve league, creation of an under-20 league, creation of an under-21 league and then re-establishment of a reserve league, which was cancelled at the request of the clubs due to the challenges faced by COVID-19.

“These have all been done in conjunction with the Scottish FA’s Performance Department, with the input and agreement of the clubs and their respective heads of academy. Indeed, Rangers have been heavily involved in the SPFL Competitions Working Group that has discussed and amended the elite player pathway in recent years.

“In summary, the Scottish FA believes the innovation paper to have many benefits beyond the ‘headline’ area of B Teams or Colt teams.

“The governing body will lead, support or facilitate any innovations that improves the game in consultation with its members but to achieve success requires mutual respect, a common purpose and, ultimately, consensus.”