Hutton backs divisive Rangers and Celtic plan after major development
Alan Hutton has backed plans to introduce Rangers and Celtic colt teams into the lower leagues of Scottish football.
The former Gers defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the proposal would be beneficial from both a footballing and economic standpoint.
As confirmed on Monday, clubs from the Scottish Lowlands League voted in favour to allow Rangers and Celtic to enter reserve teams next season.
However, the Glasgow giants’ colt sides will take part in the fifth tier of Scottish football for one season only.
The plans have been welcomed by the likes of Steven Gerrard and John Kennedy but blasted by those lower down in the football pyramid.
Hutton admitted he could understand the frustration but insisted he was behind the proposal moving forward.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I’ve been reading up about it and it seems the fans are very 50/50.
“Some people seem to like the idea because you know what’s going to happen, it’s going to bring revenue into the clubs.
“Obviously, Rangers and Celtic fans travel everywhere and an opportunity to see the young boys is good for the fans. They’ll pay their money to go and watch, fill the stadiums, which is obviously good.
“On the flip side of that, there’s 50 per cent that don’t seem happy and are worried about promotion and how it affects other teams within the league. I understand, I get that.
“I’m personally on the side where I think it’d be a good thing. I think obviously revenue for clubs that have lost a lot of money through the pandemic is good.
“There’s an opportunity there for young talented boys. Go out and play against men regularly, week in, week out to develop. So I see it as a good thing.”
It is reported there will now be a formal ballot in two weeks to ratify the decision.
Rangers boss Gerrard insisted the plans would be “fantastic for everyone”.
In other news, Gerrard has been tipped to let player “too big for Rangers” leave Ibrox.