The SPL have agreed in principle to scrap the u-19 league and replace it with an u-20 equivalent.
On the face of it upping the age limit won’t make much of a difference but a number of details have still to be concluded.
The main topic for debate is about overage players. Mark Wotte, the SFA’s performance director, wants there to be two overage players plus an overage goalkeeper but some clubs wish to extend that to four overage players and a goalkeeper.
Clearly there would be a different synamic to the competition if there are upto five overage players bringing the competition more in line with the now scarpped Reserve League.
Another area of debate is where matches are played with some sort of ground criteria likely. At the moment Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Hibs play at their own purpose built training centres while the other clubs have arrangements in place with junior clubs or Universities.
The effect on Celtic is likely to be minimal with the bulk of the team made up from the previous years u-17 side.
Gaining an extra season playing at an underage level is unlikely to make much of a difference to the players coming through the Celtic Academy.
Marcus Fraser made his top team debut against Rennes in the Europa League just a few months past his 17th birthday with others at the same stage needing tested at a higher level.
Getting players like Fraser and others the experience needed to challenge for a top team place is the main challenge facing Celtic with no easy remedy available with recent loan spells for Lewis Toshney and James Keatings providing mixed results.
Announcing today’s decision Wotte said: “I am delighted at the decision of the SPL clubs today to approve the introduction of the Under-20 League. This is a fundamental part of the Scottish FA’s Performance Strategy and it will be vital in bridging the gap between the current under-19s and the first-team squads.
“I am hugely encouraged by the positive discussions that have taken place between the SPL and the Scottish FA and, in particular, the support of the clubs’ Heads of Youth and chairmen during the period of consultation.”
Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive said: “Today’s decision is a major step forward in the football bodies working together in the best interests of the game. Mark Wotte has identified the Under-20 League as a key driver of the Performance Strategy and I am delighted the clubs share his vision.”
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How can rangers afford a team in this division? Have they been dipping out on taxes or something? 🙂
I don’t see any real benefit for our current U19s as they will be looking to gain some involvement at first team levels. Most certainly the bulk of them will make up the development squad which is testimony to the stupidity of scrapping the reserve league. The jump from 17s to 20s + o/age players is quite marked while we have long had problems in getting players from 19-21 into the first team, I can’t see this setup making any real difference in this regard.
Celtic would be best served in trying to loan out en bloc or maybe 2 x groups of players to lower league clubs to gain more experience. Something like Albion Rovers / East Stirling would surely jump at the chance of taking 6-8 quality youngsters.
The successes of our current youth teams show we are heading in the right direction. I’d hope we continue to make our own decisions on real progress rather than hope Mark Wotte can come up with a pathway.