Source: Team_Talk
Old Firm still SPL poster boys - Al
Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston has warned any revamp of the SPL must not diminish the Old Firm's status as Scottish football flag-bearers.[LNB] The SPL are currently exploring a range of options for league reconstruction.[LNB]They include expanding the competition from 12 to anything up to 18 teams - which could see sides playing each other only twice each season - and modifying or abolishing the controversial split.[LNB]Johnston is happy to let chief executive Martin Bain negotiate on Rangers' behalf in any discussions on the matter with other SPL clubs.[LNB]But he insists a strong Old Firm is crucial to the future wellbeing of the Scottish game.[LNB]"Martin Bain is our delegate on the SPL and we have talked about the situation on a number of occasions," said the US-based Johnston, who will return to Glasgow this week both to see Rangers lift the SPL title and for talks with Walter Smith over the manager's future and that of his out-of-contract staff.[LNB]"There is not a consensus among the clubs about what the right thing is to do.[LNB]"It's very important for the future of Scottish football that we do manage to find a consensus that everyone buys into.[LNB]"I think most of the SPL clubs have done very well in the difficult economic climate we are working in.[LNB]"In all honesty, however, Scottish football needs a strong Rangers and a strong Celtic because they are the poster boys of our game, if you will.[LNB]"I think it's very important to get recognition of Scottish football around the world and we need Rangers and Celtic to do that.[LNB]"I was with the president of ESPN George Bodenheimer, who is a good friend of mine, last week and I was telling him that our TV contract rights are too skinny.[LNB]"He said to me, 'Well, just give us Rangers and Celtic every week'.[LNB]"He was being a little facetious but he was also being realistic."[LNB]Johnston added in Rangers News: "I am certainly not saying that the rest of the clubs should bow down to Rangers and Celtic.[LNB]"But I think there is a general acknowledgement that for the general good of the league, the Old Firm need to be strong to present a good image of Scottish football."
