Mark Hateley, the former Rangers striker, believes that if the league reconstruction talks were beginning with a blank canvas, returning the Ibrox club to the top flight would be the best commercial option.
The Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League clubs will meet next week to discuss the latest, and likely last, attempt to alter the game in time for next season when they try to find consensus on introducing promotion and relegation play-offs with the Irn-Bru First Division clubs. Hateley, though, insists that fast-tracking Rangers back to the SPL would address the financial issues in Scottish football.
There is no willingness to consider such a radical move, and some SPL clubs are firmly set against such an option, despite the potential for higher television revenue. Although there would be commercial benefits for the Ibrox club, there are several influential people within Rangers who also would not welcome such a move, since Rangers remain subject to a registration embargo until September 1. Their preference would be to continue on the rebuilding plan as it was initially drawn up.
However, Hateley is adamant that if reconstruction is to bring instant benefits to the Scottish game, it needs to involve returning Rangers to the top division. That would restore Old Firm games, a more competitive championship race and reinvigorate the game, particularly since the SPL is still without a major sponsor.
"Nobody wants to associate themselves with the SPL at the moment," Hateley said. "So you do what is right for Scottish football and that is having your best football clubs in your top tier. That attracts all the good things football needs. People are going to say I'm saying that because I used to play for Rangers, but I am looking at it honestly.
"If you were to take Real Madrid out of Spanish football, what would it be like? A one-horse race and nobody shows any interest or puts any investment into a one-horse race. Sporting integrity is to save the football clubs. Rangers are in the third division but they've done their time. The big picture is the saving of Scottish football and it is not about what has happened in the past. If we carry on the way we are going, in two or three years' time – even if Rangers win the leagues and get back – it could be too late by then."
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