Desmond: Media key to Old Firm's future

31 August 2010 12:55
Celtic's largest shareholder Dermot Desmond believes the influence of media organisations will see the Old Firm move to the Premier League.[LNB] Last year, Premier League clubs voted to reject a proposal to invite Rangers and Celtic into the English top flight.[LNB]However, Desmond believes the decision will one day be taken out of the Premier League's hands.[LNB]"What will dictate them joining is the fans and the media companies," the Irishman said in an interview to be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 live later tonight.[LNB]"The companies are directing Premier League policy and they'll decide it'll be a good thing if the pair joined."[LNB]Bolton chairman Phil Gartside's proposal last year suggested that the Glasgow giants would be part of a two-tier Premier League.[LNB]However, Premier League chief executive Peter Scudamore moved quickly to quash any hopes, saying at the time: "As regards to Celtic and Rangers it's a non-starter.[LNB]"So we've made a clear and unequivocal statement and we're going to move on from there. No means no."[LNB]Desmond proposed a cap on debts and wages at all clubs but believes it may be too late to prevent some going out of business.[LNB]"There should be regulations and rules throughout Europe," he said.[LNB]"There should be a cap on how much a club can borrow and a cap on wages in relation to its revenue.[LNB]"It's important that clubs are not being jeopardised. I'm sure in the next few years we will see some clubs will go out of business."

Source: Team_Talk