Airdrieonians manager John Rankin believes the Scottish Championship should be extended to give more opportunities to young players, as the Scottish Football Association prepares to hold a 'critically important' summit next month to discuss the future of the national game.
Last week, the governing body announced all 42 Scottish Professional League clubs will meet in St Andrews on September 4 to discuss improving Scottish football, enhancing opportunities for homegrown talent, and increasing revenue streams.
Rankin's case for expansion
The Diamonds were relegated from the 10-team Championship last season alongside fellow full-time outfit Ross County, making them two of five full-time teams in the 10-team League One.
Rankin, who has managed Hamilton Accies and briefly Ayr United in the Championship, told Lanarkshire Live Sport: "I think the Championship is the most exciting league in Scotland so when we are talking about bringing through young players, you see a lot of these co-op loans to get the young boys out on loan.
"But I think we need to extend one of our leagues [to give more opportunities]. I know the Premiership is never going to be extended because of the cash that is involved, but when I look at the Championship I think: 'Why not?'"
Competitive league
Rankin highlighted the current competitiveness of the second tier, saying: "Let's get a product where we can get more teams and more competition."
He added: "These guys at the top know exactly how it can be done and when I look at how the teams are now, I think it is time they extended it."
"We talk about improving the Scottish game and bringing through young players and I think there is scope. When you look at how competitive the Championship is, I think it should be extended now because there are so many good teams who are willing to invest and trying to bring through young players."
Rankin also pointed to the strength of League One, where Airdrie now play: "We have five full-time teams in League One and it is a really competitive league, so that is like a second end of the Championship when you look at it."
"League One is a great league and anybody can beat anybody. I look at teams like Montrose and they go into the cup and beat Dundee United at home."
"You can't predict anything, so it is really competitive."
