Smith pessimistic over Old Firm proposal

April 25, 2009

LONDON (AFP) – Rangers boss Walter Smith believes English clubs would block Bolton chairman Phil Gartside’s proposal for the Old Firm to join the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League.

Gartside has suggested a two-tier English Premier League featuring Scotland’s biggest clubs Rangers and Celtic.

But Smith doubts whether Gartside could gain enough support for his plan because other teams would feel threatened by the Glasgow giants.

He told Saturday’s Daily Express: “It has been a big talking point but, personally, I’m not sure the English clubs would want Rangers and Celtic there.

“There is a realisation we have two huge clubs and if we went into the Premier League, with the finance there, we would be among some of the top clubs.

“I don’t think that would please a huge number of clubs in the Premier League or English Championship, which is where we would have to start.

“So I’m not sure that is something that would come off. It would be fantastic for both clubs if it was to happen, but I just don’t think the English clubs would allow it to.”

Gartside’s proposal is the latest in a long line of schemes which have raised the possibility of Celtic and Rangers quitting the Scottish Premier League.

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