A proposal for Celtic and Rangers B teams to enter the bottom tier of a 14-14-18 league setup has received a mixed response from north clubs.
Highland League champions Brora Rangers and Lowland League winners Kelty Hearts would be invited to join the expanded League One along with both Old Firm sides.
The plan is being proposed by Rangers, who want the change introduced in time for the 2020-21 season.
Both Old Firm B sides would pay £125,000 joining fee and additional payments for the next three campaigns.
Celtic and Rangers would also purchase at least 200 tickets for each away game and pay £1,000 to stream those matches.
Other Premiership teams, such as Aberdeen, Ross County and Hibernian, could apply to have B teams join the Highland and Lowland Leagues with a £25,000 joining fee.
Premiership teams could also enter into strategic partnerships with lower league clubs, allowing them to loan six players to the same side.
Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor believes it is the wrong time to be overhauling Scottish football.
He said: “Making these decisions at a time when there is stress on the industry is not clever. We’re going to get a fixture list out in three weeks. The principles seem right, it’s just too early to do it this season. I think everyone needs a bit more time.”
Peterhead boss Jim McInally is opposed to the plans, which would also see the Blue Toon drop to the bottom tier, despite finishing eighth in League One last term.
He said: “I think they’re trying to take advantage of an opportunity because teams will need money, they’ve dangled a wee carrot.
“But I’ve always said that Scottish football isn’t here for the betterment of Celtic and Rangers and to develop their players – it’s up to Celtic and Rangers to develop their own players.”
Jim McInally was the guest on last week’s Northern Goal podcast:
Brora Rangers chairman William Powrie, however, believes the proposal could be a lifeline for cash-strapped lower league clubs facing uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “The SPFL clubs must not let this opportunity pass. Financially it’s an absolute no brainier for the lower league clubs, whom are the ones most worried about money.
“Not only will it provide a lump sum payment but it will also provide ongoing liquidity, both through enhanced gate receipts and hospitality. Who wouldn’t want that?”
But Elgin chairman Graham Tatters is exasperated at the prospect of more reconstruction talks.
He told BBC Scotland: “It really is getting tedious now.
“We are just going round and round the houses. Every time something goes wrong, someone comes up with another one, then another one.
“We have sat for five different Zoom meetings trying to put a budget together. We can’t do anything at the moment because we haven’t got a clue what’s going on.”
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