Originally published at: https://www.rangersnews.uk/columnist/rangers-colts-success-league-admission/
Rangers have long pushed to have Colt teams admitted into the league pyramid in a bit to improve the standard of youth development – and the midweek win over Solihull Moors must strengthen the Gers’ case to allow them in. So far, only the Challenge Cup allows Colt teams to take part, with Graeme Murty’s…
I fail to understand the thinking behind refusing this. Any objection can be dealt with.
-You can cap how far up the league structure they rise.
-You can limit the number of overage players to make it a fairer tussle
-You can restructure the leagues if you are worried about teams losing their places to colts teams
-You can make them play all their games away from home, to reduce further any advantages
The benefits for the lower leagues can be seen from the impact of Rangers journey. Every team got sellouts, massive ticket, advertising and sponsorship revenue increases. I have not heard an objection that cannot be sensibly and reasonably overcome and the benefits are massive. These would benefit not just Rangers and Celtic but also Scotland in terms of giving young players battle hardening experience. Then there are the benefits for the lower league teams in exposure as well as finance.
Let it happen