Rangers B manager David McCallum has launched a defence of the controversial plans to create a Conference League in the fifth tier of Scottish football.
The Ibrox Colts side have been competing in the Lowland League – currently the fifth tier – for the past two seasons, but a proposal to create a new division below League Two could change all that.
The Conference League would feature B teams from Rangers, Celtic, Hearts and Hibs, as well as a further six sides from the Highland and Lowland Leagues, and would come into effect for the 2024/25 campaign.
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The proposition has been met with opposition from clubs in the fifth tier and below as over 100 teams will effectively be relegated by the scheme, while B teams themselves remain a bone of contention for many supporters outside of the Premiership.
McCallum, however, is backing the creation of the Conference League – as he believes it will benefit his players’ development.
He said: “We want our players to be challenged at the best level. That’s always going to be our driver because ultimately every individual that sits on a programme, we've a responsibility to try and develop them.
“That’s our challenge as coaches with the development teams – the 18s, B team, et cetera – it’s about trying to get the best individual programme. Whichever games programme that ends up being [voted through], as long as it's one that allows our players to be challenged the most often and sometimes struggle.
“Sometimes being part of that environment where you see stressful moments and other games where you’re maybe dominant and it’s a bit different.
“All we’re driven by is making sure out players have the best individual and team programme so they develop and have a chance of being part of the manager’s squad.
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When asked about the backlash to the Conference League, McCallum replied: “Every club has got their own opinion on how Scottish football should be run. What we need at that point is the ones that make the decision make it for the greater good of the development of our young players.
“I'm not just talking about Rangers, I’m talking the best talent across this country.”
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