That's incredible Pat,i never knew that.

How many more advantages do they want to hand the Welsh and Northern Irish sides in this tournament?

What a bloody farce.

Absolutely incredible.

The rules are just getting made up as they go along.

The whole competition is a farce imo.

PatReilly wrote:

blackandtangerine wrote:

The whole competition is a farce imo.

Well said: a Trojan horse to allow Colts teams into league competition further down the line, while presenting an argument that certain teams should be allowed to enter a more elevated cross border set up.

Totally agree. 
 

Arabnophobia wrote:

 
I was actually impressed more than depressed initially as we've called for change without much, but, its more likely your cynicism is correct & better directed as this so called thinking out the box is more intended to make a future escape for the infirm to pastures new and sneakily strike off legal hurdles with proof of previous sanctioned capers.

Sneaky as fuck and instigated fae the fkn top through either glaikitism or caloberation but maybe but I wouldn't miss "The bearded ladies of Scottish futba" as oor FookyT puts so well.

Crowds haven't changed when it bottoms out much in 30 year-sish no matter how great or shite we are so how would numbers,support or interest change without them?

That's the point, Arabnophobia, we wouldn't be 'without them'. There is a determination, if an escape route is offered to the Glasgow twins, to keep a presence in the Scottish league system. 

Hypothetically, if they didn't exist at all, ever, overall average crowds in Scotland would likely be lower, as we'd probably lose more in numbers from those more interested in bigotry, than we'd gain in supporters boosting the crowds of Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen, United or Dundee and so on.

However, I'd venture there would be a greater interest in our game and better media deals, as the leaders of football in Scotland appear to believe an Ibrox side playing a Parkhead side is the raison d'etre of Scottish football. A greater spread of trophies would, in my view, create a broader interest in Scottish football.

Cynicism is healthy when we consider Scottish football: you do know the Lowland and Highland League teams' access to a pyramid system was gained by ambitious clubs stepping aside and allowing the new 'TRFC' a clear run to enter the bottom league, at the time, in 2012?

However, I'm still puzzled as to the motive for allowing Junior clubs into the Scottish Cup in 2007: any suggestions gratefully considered.

The tournament and inclusion of Welsh/Irish/Colts will be deemed a 'great success'.

Crusaders played a weakened side including several youth players against Livingston last night: I wonder if the Scottish authorities will try to fine them?