Charles Green: Wrong to suggest Rangers could quit Scottish football

Charles Green has done a great job in leading Rangers through some tough times.

He has galvanised the support and given the club a figurehead when it needed one most.

For me, though, he went too far when warning that Rangers could quit the Scottish game.

In a lot of ways, it was classic Green.

The Yorkshireman is often outspoken on behalf of the club.

And here he provided a lively soundbite in reaction to the announcement of plans for reconstruction.

The 12-12-18 model likely to be used going forward is not favoured by Rangers.

Fans know this, and it taps into the siege mentality that has existed since the club was barred entry to the SPL this season.

If you believe that everyone at the top of the Scottish game is against you, then why not look elsewhere?

The logic, though, does not stack up.

As things stand, Rangers can’t leave Scotland. It is as simple as that.

SFA President Campbell Ogilvie has indicated that things may change to alter that situation, but that day is still some way off.

In my time as SFA Chief Executive, I did a lot of work with UEFA and FIFA, so I know precisely how opposed they were to the notion.

People often quote the fact Cardiff and Swansea are permitted to play their football in England.

It is an entirely different situation.

There is no professional league in Wales, so there was nothing to damage.

Scotland has a pro set-up, however, and it would unquestionably be affected by the loss of a club of Rangers’ stature.

To regularly attract one of the biggest crowds while playing in the fourth tier of the senior game is remarkable.

More than that, it is a statement of dedication to the cause.

We have to recognise, however, that the penalties incurred in being outside the SPL don’t stop at the loss of Old Firm derbies.

This set-up is one that will have been lobbied for by the top flight, and by the collective voice of its member clubs.

In losing their SPL place, Rangers also lost some of their influence.

Charles Green, who has proved himself to be a clever operator, will know that.

In making a threat that people know can’t really come to pass overnight, he undermines his argument. Personally, I think he would have been better placed to state Rangers were not comfortable with the plans as they stand.

It is only a blip from Green on what has otherwise been a very impressive PR campaign.

I would like at this time to clear up some misconceptions about my own feelings about reconstruction.

Painting me as some kind of champion for the Austrian model is wrong.

I actually am in favour of an 18-team top league.

What I have always argued is that if you are going to stick with 12, then this is the best way to go.

The previous split with the top six was meaningless.

The new set-up can’t fail to generate drama and excitement.

For that we must be grateful.