Scottish FA addresses ‘inaccuracies’ from Rangers chief Robertson over colt teams
Scottish FA have sought to “clarify inaccuracies” contained in an interview with Rangers chief Stewart Robertson surrounding the introduction of colt teams.
The Ibrox managing director, alongside sporting director Ross Wilson and head of academy Craig Mulholland, appeared in a video released by the club detailing why they feel a B team is necessary in Scottish football.
Rangers and Celtic have been in talks with the Lowland League with regards to fielding a second string in the fifth tier next season.
In the video released by the Scottish champions, Robertson questioned the SPFL and SFA over the release of an innovation paper which would address the issue of player pathway.
In a lengthy statement, SFA president Rod Petrie detailed the body’s conversations with the Old Firm and explained that the innovation paper looking at possible changes wouldn’t be put to clubs until the current season is over.
Petrie said: “The Scottish FA seeks to clarify inaccurathe cies contained in an interview undertaken by the Rangers managing director, Stewart Robertson, on the subject of the proposed introduction of B teams.
"It was unanimously agreed by the group, including Stewart, that the distribution of any paper should take place once the 2020/21 season has 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 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.”