Celtic would leap at the chance to join the english league system, even if it was at conference level.
Many reasons why not: 1 Too far to travel for anyone outside the Premiership ( even then it's a damn long way) 2 why introduce religious bigotry to English football? 3 England v Scotland Ferber which has broken into violence and public disorder on so many occassions? 4 Scotland appear to be heading for independance so may well not be British for a lot longer or are going to allow French, Dutch, German clubs to join our league too?
If Celtic were to join the English league system, would this then give Blatter and his cronies another reason to bleat on about the four home countries playing under one flag and not seperate as they have been until now. The SFA and others have been saying they do not want Scottish or other players representing the GB team at the Olympics this summer, moves like this could open up a whole new debate.
Of course, if Celtic and the FL did decide to get something together, I wonder if Berwick Rangers would think again, like an English team should..?
Second Stain, Can't speak for others but I have read your posts and yes I think it has been a quite serious consideration at several points over the past 3 decades or so however, I just can't see Celtic supporters accepting going to L1, maybe not even the Championship. I also can't see the league or PL managing to get enough votes for it to happen. That is even considering the increase in gates. After all just this pre-season I was at Sincil Bank watching the Imps play what had been widely publicised as a Celtic XI. Even Lennon on the Celtic sites had said it would be a reserve and youth mixture and none of the first team, yet Celtic had 2,500 in the ground (Lincoln's official figures can often appear to be reduced significantly, maybe for tax reasons ) and many more were unable to attend due to taking a tour of the Lincolnshire Constabulary Cells. I have no doubt they would sell their full allocation at EVERY game in the PL even if it were 10%. If I am thinking rightly (and I haven't researched) this would be that strange after all there are leagues with teams from independent states within them. Thinking Monaco as an example. If the Spanish independetnts get their way and Catalonia + Basque get their wish I doubt there would then be 3 leagues. At present and yes it may well change near in the future, This is one country. No such thing as England, Wales, NI and Scotland apart from the name and the history. This is the United Kingdom and we have 4 separate leagues within that one country. Like I say, Can't see it happening but can't really use the Independence argument with it.
Football League chairman Greg Clarke has denied reports of Celtic joining the Championship or League One. He said: "We have absolutely no intention of having any discussions with any club from another national league regarding membership of our competition. This would be highly disrespectful to the Scottish FA and Scottish Premier League and will not be countenanced by the Football League." Denied today
