Alex Smith calls for top flight to be expanded to 16 teams

Former United manager insists 16-team top flight is way ahead

Former Dundee United manager Alex Smith has called for a 16-team top flight in Scotland.

Smith, still working as Falkirk’s technical director at the age of 77, reckons the 4,500-plus attendance for the Bairns’ home match with Morton on Saturday is further proof that the Premiership should be expanded.

He feels that not only is there an appetite for traditional clubs like Falkirk and United to be in the top league, it would also be the best way to develop players.

Smith, who was in charge at Tannadice from the summer of 2000 to October 2002, has asked new SFA performance director Malky Mackay to look into it.

He said: “We had a crowd of nearly 4,600 on Saturday for a game that started at 5.15pm and was live on TV.

“We have also had big crowds for the games with Hibs, Dundee United and Dunfermline.

“These crowds show that the clubs in the top half of the Championship would add value to the top flight.

“I have said it before and I will say it again, we should have 16 teams in that league.”

Smith reckons that clubs should not just be admitted because of their attendance levels but because it would help Scotland deliver its own players again.

He explained: “Sixteen teams would give clubs a cushion as opposed to continually fighting for relegation or promotion and being scared to blood youngsters.

“We import experience at the detriment of our young players and I have had a discussion with Malky on it.

“He is just early into his job so I am not expecting anything to change quickly but for the development of players I would be keen that this area continues to be explored.”

Picture: SNS. Alex Smith feels a bigger Premiership would the best way to develop young players in Scotland.