ian1964 10,666 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 CELTIC have opened talks with the SFL in a bid to enter a side into the Third Division. The sensational move could see the Parkhead club granted permission to compete in the lowest league within two years and possibly as early as next season. Record Sport understands Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell met SFL boss David Longmuir at Hampden last week to discuss a range of matters - but the idea of a second Celtic side in the league was the main issue. It's understood several SFL clubs have already been sounded out about the plans and have given a positive response. The SPL Reserve League is to be scrapped in April and Celtic hope to stake their claim for entry into the SFL at the association's agm in May. Falling attendances and mounting cash problems through a failure to generate revenue streams have hit the SFL hard in recent seasons and the arrival of one half of the Old Firm would provide a muchneeded boost. It's also understood Celtic's aim is to include youth and reserve players in a squad that would play in the Third Division but would not be permitted entry into any cup competitions. Celtic aim to take a lead from Spanish giants Barcelona who field a second team in the lower reaches of the their leagues that acts as a ready-made feeder side for the top team. Whether Rangers aim to join their Old Firm rivals in their bid remains to be seen but with SPL 2 already on the agenda it's clear that radical league reconstruction will open the door to the possibility of Celtic making their plan a reality. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmidd 0 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I really hope we go down this route too. Would be good to get young players experience of 1st team football 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig 5,199 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I cant see Celtic doing it and us sitting idly by watching. As you say alan, great 1st team experience, but I would still probably rather see the best of the crop going out on loan to 1st division teams as the standard of play would be better. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmidd 0 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 Yes but having them play together would allow us to build a team of young players rather than a couple of individuals 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super_Ally 0 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 Could they gain promotion? And eventually end up in the top flight? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluedell 5,508 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 Could they gain promotion? And eventually end up in the top flight? they wouldn't end up in the top flight if they follow the Spanish model. If Fleck started off in the 3rd division team, I assume he could only be transferred up to the first team twice a season? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super_Ally 0 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 they wouldn't end up in the top flight if they follow the Spanish model. If Fleck started off in the 3rd division team, I assume he could only be transferred up to the first team twice a season? Can they at least get promoted to first division? If not I see little point, would be better loaning players to div1. I didn't think they'd be allowed to get into the top flight. Too open to abuse then isn't it with the first team squad. I was aware Barca had a 2nd string in Spain, but not entirely aware how it works? THe idea of "transfers" between the squads muddies the waters somewhat too and may not make it such a wise idea. What if we'd used all our "transfers" for our players. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CammyF 7,600 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 I really hope we go down this route too. Would be good to get young players experience of 1st team football Exactly, something that we should have been looking at for a sometime now. I'm sure Souness muted something along these lines when he took over as manager. When that was rejected he looked at using Dundee (IIRC) as a feeder club, farming out players to them but the SFA put the blockers on that as well. Cammy F 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazza_8 233 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 Great idea. Pity they thought of it 1st though. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluedell 5,508 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 Great idea. Pity they thought of it 1st though. Jock Stein apparently suggested it in the 70's, so it's an old idea that resurfaces occasionally, perhaps when needed to take the heat off playing matters. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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