Motherwell manager Stuart McCall fears Rangers being placed in the Third Division could have catastrophic implications for several SPL clubs.
Well manager waiting to see what division Rangers will be placed in
Motherwell manager Stuart McCall fears Rangers being placed in the Third Division could have catastrophic implications for several SPL clubs.
A meeting is due to take place on Wednesday when SPL clubs will vote on Charles Green's newco Rangers' application to be in the top flight next season.
As it currently stands, seven clubs have stated their intention to vote against Rangers' admittance and a decision will then need to be made on whether the Old Firm side would drop into the First Division or start at the bottom rung.
If Rangers are dumped into the Third Division, then it could lead to clubs losing their broadcast revenue, which McCall feels would have serious implications.
Struggle
"Everyone has to know the reality of what's going to happen if Rangers are in the Third Division and the picture isn't pretty," said the former Rangers midfielder in the
Daily Record.
"In total, 36 per cent of Motherwell's revenue last season came from broadcasting. If you take away the TV income and add it to the fact Rangers won't be in the SPL then it's going to be difficult for a lot of clubs to survive.
"We're one of few clubs in the SPL without any debt but we'll struggle. I'm not scaremongering. That's the harsh reality of the club trying to survive.
"My fears are based on Rangers being in the Third Division, the worst-case scenario. People have already said Rangers won't be in the SPL next season and the big decision now for the SFL is whether they go into the First Division or start again at the bottom.
"There are no guarantees if Rangers went into the First Division they would come straight back up but at least it would keep the TV deal for the year when we have contracts to honour.
"If Rangers didn't come back up at the end of next season we would then be able to cut our cloth accordingly.
"Television money is so important. You can have all the integrity in the world but the rumour is half the SPL clubs might enter administration if Rangers go into the Third Division."
