Celtic are said to be at the forefront of plans for a new European reserve league. Scottish clubs are keen to be involved in a revolutionary set-up that would see reserve sides from different countries face off. The Daily Mail reports in it’s print edition (May 3rd, page 93) that preliminary discussions with foreign leagues are underway.
It is believed that the new league would pit Scottish clubs up against sides from Belgium, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark. The league would see matches played on midweek evenings. It is not likely to be rushed through in time for next season.
Although further details aren’t known yet, the news must be exciting for Hoops fans. Seeing our future stars go up against counterparts from Basel and RB Salzburg can only be a benefit for their development.
It is also believed that the new league would aim to attract a television partner. This would give youngsters the chance to experience the impact of a live televised game from a young age.
Are Colts the way forward?
On Friday, St Johnstone became the latest club to quit the current reserve league. Their chairman Steve Brown said it was no longer viable for the Perth side to take part in the second-string set-up. He would prefer it if their reserve side joined the lower leagues.
In November, it was reported that the SPFL was set to introduce a new fifth-tier which would include colt teams. The fact the trail has gone cold on that story shows that there is no real appetite for colt sides in the lower leagues.
The reserve league looks destined for failure after just one season. It’s just important that Celtic can get out to a better set-up, for the sake of our kids.
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