Martin O’Neill added his backing on Wednesday to plans for Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers to play in the English Premier League.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has put forward proposals which would see the Premier League create a second division, including the ‘Old Firm’
Aston Villa manager O’Neill, who won three Scottish titles and three Scottish FA Cups while in charge of Celtic from 2000 to 2005, believes such a move would be mutually beneficial to both of the Glasgow clubs and the EPL.
“My personal thought is that Celtic and Rangers would enhance the Barclays Premier League,” he told Aston Villa TV, the club’s own television station.
“Glasgow is a phenomenal football city. Celtic house 60,000 fans and Rangers house 50,000 fans every game. I’m not sure about Rangers but I know Celtic’s capacity could go from 60,000 to 80,000 overnight, without a doubt.
“When I was manager of Celtic a number of years ago, there was some talk of both teams joining the Premier League in some capacity.
“There was mention of them being put in the Championship too, or maybe even lower down than that, and then making them work their way up through promotion.
“If forced to do that they would eventually get to the top and end up as monumental players in the Premier League.
“Of course, the sceptics would say ‘Why do it?’ But I’m talking about enhancement.”
However, moves for Celtic and Rangers to play their domestic football south of the border are likely to face strong opposition, not least from within the Scottish game.
The presence of the Old Firm is the major financial drawcard when it comes to negotiations for the rights to televise the Scottish Premier League.
And home matches against Celtic and Rangers are usually the biggest money-spinners for their top-flight rivals because of the size of the two clubs’ travelling support.
Meanwhile officials at the Scottish Football Association, who are vehemently opposed to a combined UK team at the 2012 London Olympics, would likely do all they could to oppose another move which they believed threatened their status as an independent football nation.
O’Neill added admitting the Old Firm to English football could set an awkward European precedent.
“I suppose Belgian teams could then ask to join the Dutch league and Dutch teams could then request to join the Bundesliga. All of those points would have to be considered.
“But, if you’re asking for a personal opinion, I think Celtic and Rangers joining would enhance the Barclays Premier League and make us all strive to get better. That’s my view.
“There are processes that would to have observed obviously. It was spoken about a few seasons ago and obstacles were put in the way.
“The idea died at that time and I don’t know how strong the possibility is at the moment. I certainly support the idea. But, then again, I could be a voice in the wilderness.”
shaunthebrummie
Guest
start at the bottom of english football......or not at all
Matthew
Guest
The idea sounds great, but would the Old Firm be able to keep up with the "Big 4" in the comp. Or will it just lead to a "Big Six" and damaged the prospects of the other English clubs getting into Europe. Not only that if Celtic or Rangers has a dud season, they themsleves may miss out in Europe - something which would not matter in Scotland as they are always at the top anyway, but could cripple them if they join the EPL. I guess if the move does happen, then the likes of Glentoran, LInfield, and so forth playing in Northern Ireland can join the English comp as well....
Koala Bear
Guest
It's about time Celtic and Rangers made the move ... What a massive Barclay Premier League it would be if they did ... Scottish FA is F**ked and needs to be restructured and have a gateway into the English leagues via a promotion and relegation system .. Not sure how it will go down with the Scotts but to have these two mighty Scottish giants playing in a micky-mouse league is detrimental to their nation team .. time to move forward into the twenty first century... ~~~~~~~~ KB
Dave
Guest
Justin Cardiff City are in the playoffs to be promoted to the EPL! Swansea finished in the Championship top 10 also.
Justin
Guest
It has to be all or nothing, you cant take 2 teams out of Scotland, it would destroy the comp and relegate the rest to park football with no money or spectators. Correct me if I am wrong but arent there Welsh teams in the lower leagues? If so perhaps there could be a UK PL but otherwise its a no from my point of view.
Dave
Guest
My heart says yes to this proposal but the head says no... Certainly these 2 massive clubs would add would prestige and money to the EPL. It would allow the 2 Glasgow giants to increase capacity of their grounds and so over the course of a decade become world powerhouses like ManU etc. At the moment these clubs are big off the field but not on it...this would change. However it is likely to destroy league football in Scotland. Would teams such as Hearts be allowed to apply to play in the Championship? Why not just have a British Premier League? It would mean some of the big EPL clubs may slip down the rankings of on field performance, income etc if the Scottish clubs are successful. They wont like it and so it is unlikely to occur. The Glasgow giants would love it and one can only feel for their current plight of being unable to grow because the league they are in is too small...imagine Collingwood and Essendon from the AFL playing in the VFL competition then you may have an understanding of the situation.