Celtic and Rangers could soon be literally in a league of their own

Scottish League: The 10 renegade Scottish Premier League clubs have thrown down the gauntlet to the Old Firm after announcing their decision to quit the Scottish Premier League in two years.

All 12 SPL sides gathered again at Hampden Park yesterday to discuss further media rights, but Celtic and Rangers were rocked as the 10 clubs spelled out their intention to hand in their notice before the start of next season.

The 10 were left furious last week when the Glasgow giants combined to veto proposals for the SPL TV channel - leaving the rest of the SPL facing an uneasy financial future. But the clubs have hit back at the Old Firm and decided to quit the SPL to protect their interests with the new league to begin in 2004-2005.

Hearts chief executive Chris Robinson believes the decision proves the 10 other clubs are not prepared to allow the Old Firm to walk over the rest of the SPL.

"All the clubs believe they have got to maintain the best interests of the game," Robinson said. "All the feedback we have received from our supporters is that they want us to drive the agenda forward and not to be an oppressed majority any more. The SPL has been good to us in Scottish football, but, in terms of key decisions as we saw last week, the 10 clubs are an oppressed majority.

"There is sadness that this step has been taken to move the game forward. Who knows what they (the Old Firm) will do? We know what we are doing and that is what is important. We had a list of options, but this is the one the 10 clubs have unanimously agreed is in the best interests of Scottish football.

"It is a measured step and allows time for the processes to take place, and that is why we have arrived at this option."

Rangers and Celtic claim they are not even contemplating the possibility of not playing in a league in two years. Celtic chief executive Ian McLeod is confident a solution can be found.

"To be in a position in two years where Rangers and Celtic have no league to play in I think is an unthinkable proposition and will not happen," he insisted. "There will be some form of agreement reached in terms of league structuring.

"But let's be clear here: Rangers and Celtic are still part of the SPL, it's the other 10 clubs which have elected not to participate. Perhaps that's encouraging for the other clubs below them within the league structure."

Rangers vice-chairman John McClelland admits the situation is "reasonably serious", but claims there is plenty of time to explore all avenues and reach a solution.

"We are definitely not panicking," McClelland said. "It is a reasonably serious issue, but we have a long time to discuss and negotiate and get it resolved. I would expect that we'll continue positively and constructively in the SPL for the next two years and, beyond that point, there will be the strong essence of Rangers and Celtic in Scottish football."

Tottenham last night completed the signing of midfielder Jamie Redknapp on a four-year deal. Liverpool released the 28-year-old from his contract, bringing to an end an Anfield career stretching back to January 1991, but hit in recent years by injury.