Celtic could be affected by new plans to restructure Scottish football’s second division. The BBC are reporting that the Championship could be extended to 12 teams in time for the season after next.
Such changes would cause a need for two new teams to be added to the SPFL setup.
While talks are at an early stage, the SPFL is understood to be considering the introduction of two Colt teams. The clubs haven’t been named yet but it is likely that Celtic would be involved in some form.
If accepted, the new measures could be in place for this time next year.
Do Colt teams work?
Colt teams have been trialled in the Irn-Bru Cup in recent seasons to widespread criticism. Celtic’s side have found themselves up against the likes of Livingston and Annan Athletic with players like Mikey Johnston getting to test themselves against seasoned pros.
While the side have coped relatively well on the pitch, there hasn’t been the same excitement off it. Colt matches, often played at training grounds, have attracted crowds in the hundreds. Matches have seemed to lack a competitive edge and the whole experience has been a bit drab.
Celtic’s system isn’t broken at the moment so why fix it? Our youth academy has produced the likes of Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney in recent years so there’s clearly not a problem there. Youngsters are getting a fine opportunity at first team level and a good grounding in the youths.
The Hoops also use the loan system well at present, with Lewis Morgan an obvious example. The youngster is on loan at Sunderland, playing at a higher level than the Colts ever could. This is a good enough reason for Celtic to reject any opportunity to join the pyramid setup.
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