Brendan’s view on increasing league size supported by other managers

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The Celtic Star

·5 April 2025

Brendan’s view on increasing league size supported by other managers

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers shared his thoughts on the potential league reconstruction across Scotland’s four divisions…

McDiarmid Park, Perth, photo St Johnstone FC

Earlier this week, The Herald reported that talks have been held about introducing a 10-team Premiership, with the league split potentially being removed as part of the changes.

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Rodgers cautioned against reducing the number of teams in the league

Altering the current structure would require approval from 11 of the 12 Premiership clubs, though so far, no official proposal has been submitted, with conversations remaining within the confines of the working group.

Rodgers, however, cautioned against reducing the number of teams in the league, instead advocating for expansion as a more advantageous route.

Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“I have just heard that, I haven’t seen that but someone mentioned the possibility of it getting smaller or increasing,” said the Irishman.

“I certainly don’t think it needs to get smaller”

“I certainly don’t think it needs to get smaller. If it goes any way I think there is still a notion for me that we could bring a few more teams into the league. Clearly, there is maybe issues around TV revenue or money but I think from a football perspective, I always felt an increase of the teams in the league would help.”

Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

When asked if players and managers ought to have a say in potential changes, Rodgers responded: “Well, players and managers are two of the major stakeholders in the game – alongside supporters. So, there’s absolutely no doubt that the welfare of the players should come into it first and foremost.”

READ THIS…Small Talk – Scottish football’s league sizes, history and rumours

“Because these are the guys that are having to prepare themselves, go out, train every day, train really hard, live with the pressure of performing or not performing. And what that looks like.”

Meanwhile, Sky Sports understands that proposals to reduce the Scottish Premiership to 10 teams are unlikely to gain enough support from the clubs. The SPFL is set to hold official talks on April 29 to explore league structures featuring 10, 12, 14, and 16 teams.

A frustrated Rangers fan alone in the stand after the final whistle. Final score Ross County 3 theRangers 2. Ross County v Rangers, Scottish Premiership, , Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall, UK – 14 April 2024. Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Alongside Rodgers, this week, support for expanding the Scottish Premiership grew as Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes, theRangers assistant Neil McCann, Dundee’s Tony Docherty, and Motherwell’s Michael Wimmer all voiced their backing for the idea.

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