16 Oct 2009Scottish football needs Old Firm, says Gannon

Football Clubs News | Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Motherwell manager Jim Gannon believes Scottish football will suffer if Celtic and Rangers split from the Scottish Premier League (SPL).

Representatives of both Old Firm sides have recently voiced a desire for their clubs to leave domestic football behind, either for the English Premier League or a new Atlantic league involving teams from countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden.

However, Gannon told the Sun that he fears losing the Glasgow clubs would be "tragic" for football in Scotland.

"Celtic and Rangers are the flagships for Scottish football so them leaving would have a huge impact," said the 41-year-old, who was born in London but grew up as a Celtic fan in Ireland.

"They are the biggest clubs. I'd be worried for the Scottish game."

However, Rangers boss Walter Smith has claimed that the departure of the Old Firm could benefit football north of the border in the long run.

He said that the move would help to raise the profile of the Scottish game, as well as giving other teams more of an opportunity to be successful.

Written by Paul Roberts

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