Kieran Maguire salutes ‘successful experiment’ after Rangers-Celtic agreement reached
The inclusion of Rangers and Celtic’s B teams in the Lowland League has been a “successful experiment” for all involved.
So says finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after Lowland sides voted for both to stay on in the division.
As relayed by the Daily Record earlier this month (4 April), the majority of fifth-tier clubs their ballots in favour of their continued involvement.
As quoted by the same outlet last Friday (15 April), Lowland League chair Thomas Brown revealed the league has benefited to the tune of £135,000.
Celtic B are currently 2nd and Rangers B are 4th as their maiden season in the league nears its end.
And it is no surprise to see the Glasgow Colt sides provide an economic benefit to the Lowland League, claims Maguire.
“It was a successful experiment, at the end of the day,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“The fact the Lowlands League wants it to continue shows that the benefits outweigh any detriment.
“They will have also benefited from higher attendances because people will come to see the Colts teams when they are in town.
“It hasn’t held back the Lowlands League teams themselves.
“They have probably upped their game because it is a feather in the cap to beat Rangers or Celtic, even if it is the Colts teams.”
Rangers B beat their Celtic counterparts 1-0 in the final Lowland League Old Firm derby of the season last Wednesday (13 April).
Celtic have finished their season, whereas Rangers have one game to go.
In other news, Newcastle United in hotel talks over signing Rangers sensation Alex Lowry.