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Inverness Reds Online | Aberdeen FC
Home / Scottish Football News / SPL / Caley Thistle / Inverness Need Rangers In SPL

Inverness Need Rangers In SPL

Terry Butcher

Manager Terry Butcher reckons it would be a “disaster” for Inverness if Rangers were not playing in the Scottish Premier League next season.

The future of the Ibrox club is uncertain, with administrators yet to find a buyer and the threat of possible footballing sanctions to come.

“From our point of view, it would be a disaster if Rangers were not in the SPL,” Butcher told BBC Scotland.

“We need the Old Firm in the SPL for us to survive, like all the other clubs.”

Former England captain Butcher, who spent four years as a defender with Rangers, says planning for next season is tricky without knowing what is in store for his old club.

“All the chairmen are waiting to see what happens,” explained Butcher. “The Rangers situation is far from clear.

“I’ve been given a budget on the proviso that Rangers will be in the SPL and I’m sure that’s the case at most clubs.

“If the situation changes then you’re looking at clubs having to cut their cloth accordingly – and that’s cutting a lot of cloth.

“TV companies would pull out, sponsorship as well, so our budget would change.”

Having twice postponed voting on the issue, SPL clubs will meet to further discuss proposed new financial fair play rules on 30 May.

Top flight clubs have agreed that all of the remaining 11 members will consider any “new company” application should a potential Rangers buyer explore that route out of administration.

“All I know is what I read in the newspapers and on the websites,” added Butcher. “It’s an ever-changing story and you don’t know quite what to believe.

“All we can do is see what the SPL chairmen make of the situation and act on their choices.”

While Butcher is concerned about the plight of Rangers, Inverness should benefit financially from the promotion to the SPL of neighbours Ross County.

“Football in the Highlands is thriving,” he enthused.

“When the fixtures come out, everyone will be looking to see when we play Ross County and we can’t wait.

“We had some great battles in the First Division and I’m sure we’ll have great battles in the SPL.

“We’re looking forward to four local derbies. We want to finish above them and they want to finish above us, so it will be a great Highland battle.

“The focus has moved away from Glasgow. We had Kilmarnock winning the League Cup and now we have an Edinburgh derby in the Scottish Cup final.

“The balance of power has shifted or dropped, if you think about the mess Rangers are in.”

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