Source: Team_Talk
Old Firm greats back move south
The recurring issue came to the fore again earlier in the week when Bolton chairman Phil Gartside revealed he had formulated a plan for two 18-team Premier divisions, the second of which would initially include the Glasgow giants.[LNB]The pros and cons of the proposal have been discussed all week, regardless of the fact that there would be many obstacles to overcome, not least the approval of UEFA and governing bodies on both sides of the border.[LNB]Jardine and McGarvey, appearing at Hampden to promote a Careers Day for footballers which is supported by ILA Scotland - a Scottish Government funded scheme for learning - were firmly behind the idea.[LNB]Jardine, who now works for the Ibrox club following a successful playing career with Rangers which spanned three decades from the 1960s before he moved to Hearts, said: "I am not speaking on behalf of Rangers but, personally, I would like to Rangers and Celtic to play down there.[LNB]"That would give them the chance to get to their true level.[LNB]"We have a couple of lads who used to work at Ibrox and now they are down in England, one at Chelsea and one at Middlesbrough and I still keep in contact with them.[LNB]"I keep kidding them on that we will sell them 50,000 supporters.[LNB]"We are supporters-rich and cash-poor, while a lot of English team are supporter-poor and cash-rich.[LNB]"Rangers and Celtic have huge fan bases but, because of the constraints of Scottish football, they can't get to to their true level.[LNB]"But I stress, that is a personal opinion."[LNB]McGarvey, who played at Parkhead between 1980 and 1985, also believes the Old Firm moving to England would help both the Glasgow giants and Scottish football.[LNB]He said: "I think it would be a great move for the Old Firm clubs to move to England.[LNB]"They would get more money, their value as clubs would grow and they would be able to attract better players.[LNB]"It would take Rangers and Celtic about five years to get in to the top four or five in England, although it would be interesting to see which one would get there first.[LNB]"Scottish football would thrive without them.[LNB]"The money may be less from the sponsors but I believe the fans would come back if they thought their team had a better chance of winning trophies."[LNB][LNB]
