‘Excellent move’ – Exclusive: Hutton thumbs-up to unexpected Celtic plan
Alan Hutton has been left raving over a proposal which would see both Rangers and Celtic have ‘B’ teams introduced in the SPFL from next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Gers defender insists it would be an “excellent move” for clubs all across the divisions.
As reported by the BBC, the Light Blues have proposed that both sides would both pay to have B teams in the third tier in a restructure of the SPFL league set-up.
The move would see all three tiers expanded, with Hearts and Partick Thistle avoiding relegation, and Kelty Hearts and Brora Rangers joining the Glasgow giants’ junior sides.
With an age limit of 21 proposed for the B teams, Hutton believes playing in the lower reaches would be great experience for the next generation of Scottish footballers.
Hutton told Football Insider: “I’m always one for young boys going out into the big, bad world and playing against men and really getting involved instead of sitting in the reserves.
“I think for them to do that is an excellent move – not only for them but it helps the other teams, Hearts and teams like that, from relegation. There are other stipulations along with it.
“From a fans’ point of view, a lot of fans take an interest in the youth so they can go and watch the youth teams regularly – that would be money coming in for the teams they play. Rangers and Celtic fans are really good that way, they support the youth and go and watch them.
“It’s something that fits in well for everybody.”
In terms of youth development, Celtic have seen the likes of James Forrest and Mikey Johnston come through the club’s academy in recent years.
Rangers have not seen the same level of prospects come through at Ibrox, although they have the likes of Nathan Patterson and Josh McPake on the fringes.
In other Rangers news, it can be REVEALED that the club have agreed to sign £3million player from Premier League club after West Ham bid knocked back.