Proposals to expand the Premier League to two divisions has been pooh-poohed by Athletic. Bolton chairman Phil Gartside put forward plans to the other members of the Premier League for a two-tier Premier League which would also feature Scottish Premier giants Celtic and Rangers. The idea has been described as a “fear factor” among the smaller clubs who risk losing their place in the top division which will prompt overspending for teams fighting against relegation.
Other proposals suggest that promotion and relegation between the top two tiers could be determined by other influences and not purely on playing merit. Alan Hardy is against the proposal and said, “I believe it is a non-starter. It seems to be about Bolton safeguarding their position, but I cannot see it happening. To stop promotion and relegation through the football pyramid would be detrimental to the health of the national game as a whole.”