12 Nov 2009English Premier League clubs dismiss Old Firm move

Football Clubs News | Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Plans for Celtic and Rangers to leave Scottish football have been rejected by the English Premier League's existing 20 clubs.

Phil Gartside's proposal for a new two-tier structure featuring the two Glasgow teams was discussed at a league meeting today (November 12th) but found no favour with the assembled chairmen.

A statement from the English Premier League explained that the inclusion of Celtic and Rangers was not currently thought to be "desirable or viable".

However, several high-profile managers have endorsed the Old Firm's proposed move south, with Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp telling the Daily Record this week that the switch would "be good for the English game".

Bolton Wanderers chairman Gartside believes that his new league concept could help to distribute wealth between the country's top-flight football clubs more evenly.

"The other relevant ideas contained within Bolton's paper will now be taken forward as part of the wider strategic review being undertaken since November 2008," the statement read.

Written by Paul Roberts

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