Pressley calls for league change

Last updated : 20 September 2010 By BBC Sport

"It's getting harder and harder to challenge the Old Firm because finances are dictating everything at the moment," said Pressley.

The former Celtic and Rangers defender thought "a bigger top-flight league" would enable youth to blossom.

"The only real chance of anyone putting in a challenge on the Old Firm is if they develop their own young players," he said.

"Clubs cannot afford to sign these players, they can only develop them. In order to do that, there has to be league reconstruction."

It is too early in the season to assume the Old Firm will run away with it

Rangers manager Walter Smith

Pressley says that Falkirk are attempting to blood their own youngsters but insists it is time that they had some backing by the football authorities to give them financial security.

"There has to be a bigger top-flight league," he said. "That would give clubs like ourselves, who put a huge emphasis on the development of our young players, some kind of security.

"Relegation hangs over your head every season in the SPL. But, when you are making long-term plans in terms of infrastructure and youth programmes, there needs to be a level of security."

However, Rangers manager Walter Smith thought it was too early in the season to assume that the Old Firm would again stretch well clear of the other sides in the SPL.

"It is too early to say only five games into the season that that is going to be the case," he said.

"Last season, it was a bit closer a bit longer. There were a few clubs a bit closer.

"Rangers and Celtic have obviously made a good and consistent start to the season.

"As I have said, from my own club's point of view, I feel we were a little bit slow in the first two or three games, but we are now picking up to the required level.

Last season, everybody was making the assumption that there would be a split between the Old Firm

Rangers manager Walter Smith

"But it is a long season and there are a lot of games ahead. The Old Firm are obviously favourites to finish in first and second place and I think we have shown that is a deserved situation over the last few years as we have been the best teams.

"But there is always a challenge to us. None of the games are easy."

Rangers have been forced to make cutbacks to reduce their debt in the last couple of seasons and Smith reckons that makes the reigning champions more vulnerable.

"This season, we have a situation, and I only speak from a Rangers' point of view, where we have a smaller group and suspension and injury might take its toll there," said the manager.

"We certainly hope it does not happen, but that's one of the things that could be a problem over the season for us.

"Last season, everybody was making the assumption that there would be a split between the Old Firm, but it ended up as in previous seasons with Rangers and Celtic being first and second in the league."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport