Controversial Under-21 Rule to Remain in Place Next Season.

Last updated : 24 April 2009 By Clydebuilt
The SPL ruling that requires all premier clubs to name 3 players under 21 is to continue until the end of next season, it has been announced today.

Both Gordon Strachan and Walter Smith have been openly critical of the ruling that affords young players a place on the bench based on their age as opposed to their talents.

SPL secretary Iain Blair said: "The development of young talent has been important to the SPL since it was set up.

"The debate we had on the relevant structures and rules was very healthy, as we must always challenge what we do to see if there is a better way.

"The next step is for us to take on board the feedback from the clubs and come up with proposals to gain their consensus."

The next step is for us to take on board the feedback from the clubs and come up with proposals to gain their consensus."

Further to that, the much-rumoured abolishment of the reserve league has been shelved; also until the end of next season, it was announced.

"The first stage of a review looking at the transition between youth-team and first-team was carried out over the past few months," an SPL spokesman said.

"It concluded that in the longer-term, refinements may have to be made to the current structures but, given the proximity to the start of next season, that they would be retained for next season.

"This confirmation will now enable the clubs to plan accordingly. Further work is under way to draft proposals for consideration for longer-term change."

This I suppose is a good move, although the dilution of squads with young players will continue for now.

Yours in Celtic

Clydebuilt