As discussions around restructuring the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) continue to gain momentum, Rangers coach Neil McCann has shared his thoughts on the potential shift from a 12-team top-flight to a 10-team league.
The current format, which has been in place since the 2000-01 season, sees 12 clubs split into a top and bottom six after 33 rounds of matches, with a total of 38 games played each season.
However, talks at senior levels have explored alternative structures to address issues such as fixture congestion created by the increased number of European matches, and financial distribution.
McCann, a seasoned figure in Scottish football and currently on Barry Ferguson's interim management team at Rangers, has expressed his preference for a larger league, emphasising the opportunities it could create for young players and the overall competitiveness of the game.
"I've always liked the idea of a wee bit bigger league," he said as he addressed the media on Thursday. "How that's configured is anybody's guess, but I think we've got teams that would enhance the top league."
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The former Rangers winger believes that expanding the Scottish Premiership could address some of the perceived issues with the current format, such as the so-called "dead rubber" matches that occur late in the season.
McCann argues that even these games can serve a purpose, whether by providing opportunities for young players to gain experience, increasing the number of relegation spots, or introducing a play-off position.
"There's ways of trying to find a middle ground," he added.
One of McCann's key arguments for a larger league, whether that be 14 or 16 teams, is the potential to nurture young talent. He believes that a bigger league could reduce the "fear factor" that currently exists, giving clubs more freedom to integrate talented players into their first team squads - something that could also help Steve Clarke's national team in the long-term.
"The most important thing if it was bigger is I see it being more opportunity for young boys to be cut in because maybe it would take away a lot of the fear factor that exists right now," he explained.
McCann also weighed in on the split system, which divides the league into two groups after 33 games to determine final standings. Sometimes the format can be scrutinised as there's been instances of teams in the lower half finishing on much higher points tallies than someone that's finished sixth for instance.
Despite its critics, McCann claims he has always been a supporter of the format.
"I like the split, I've always been one to say that I like the split," he said.
Having experienced the split firsthand during his time as Dundee boss, McCann remains unfazed by its challenges. "I've been involved in it with Dundee and I don't fear it, didn't fear it."
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Overall, the 50-year-old concluded: "I think there's loads of discussions whether it's going to be a 10, 12, 14, 16, but I've got enough on my plate right now to get my teeth into."
The potential restructuring of the SPFL is not without its complexities, particularly regarding financial distribution.
Last year, the SPFL announced a record turnover of £44million, with over £33m awarded to clubs. Premiership clubs received the lion's share, raising questions about how a new league structure would impact revenue sharing.
Additionally, discussions have included the possibility of redistributing UEFA solidarity payments, which currently benefit Premiership clubs not involved in European competitions.
