Rangers have pulled their B-team out of the Lowland League for next season after the proposed Scottish Conference League was scrapped.
The Ibrox side and rivals Celtic have had their top academy sides competing in tier five for the last two seasons and were joined by Hearts in the Lowland League last campaign. There had been hopes that involvement would continue in a new fifth tier next season that was proposed to feature the four B-teams as well as representatives from the current Highland and Lowland divisions.
But that was panned by clubs up and down the country with the SPFL eventually pulling a vote off the table after a mass of dissenting voices. And now Rangers have announced they won't enter a team into next season's Lowland League despite finishing as runners-up to champions Spartans last season.
A club statement reads: "Rangers can today announce the club will not be entering a B team in the Scottish Lowland Football League in season 2023/24 and beyond. This follows the Scottish FA’s decision to withdraw a vote on the proposed introduction of a ‘Conference League’ at tier five in the national football pyramid.
"Firstly, Rangers would like to put on record our sincere thanks to the Lowland League for hosting a Rangers B team in their league for the past two seasons, and to the clubs for their fantastic hospitality and sporting challenges during that time. Rangers wishes each and every one of them the very best for the future."
And the Lowland League responded with a brief statement reading: "We can confirm that Rangers B will not take part in the SLFL next season. We were notified of their decision earlier this evening. The SLFL will continue to plan for season 2023/24 with 18 teams.
"Rangers has long been a strong advocate for the introduction of B Teams in the professional leagues of Scottish football, with a Conference League being an excellent step in that direction. Nations across Europe operate similar B Team systems with strong evidence of their development of players at club and national level."
Rangers' statement goes on: "Our view on B Teams was also strongly supported by the Scottish FA and its CEO Ian Maxwell, who recognise the clear, beneficial impact B Teams have on top international sides. For 18–21 year-old footballers, our research and the evidence clearly shows the best path for their development is playing professional football in professional leagues. A Conference League would have been a positive move towards that.
"As matters now stand, there is no suitable, governing body-led development structure for players between 18-21 in Scotland. The club has, however, enjoyed positive dialogue with a number of key stakeholders in recent days, including the Scottish FA, and looks forward to continuing such discussions to map the best possible direction for the development of the country’s top young players.
"Rangers remains committed to finding the most innovative and challenging environments for our young players, not only for the benefit of our club, but also for the benefit of other clubs and the Scotland national team. We look forward to continuing our positive engagement with the Scottish FA and other bodies in the drive for young player development."
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