Celtic and Rangers financial boost as chief talks up six-figure Lowland League impact

Lowland League chairperson Thomas Brown says Celtic and Rangers 'B' teams have generated over £135,000 in revenue for the fifth tier.

The Glasgow giants will deploy their youth sides in the league next season after clubs voted in favour of them staying, following a good impression on their first term.

Lanarkshire sides Cumbernauld Colts, Caledonian Braves and East Kilbride are among the clubs to have competed against the Parkhead and Ibrox prospects.

Uddingston's Alex Lowry is now involved at first-team level at Rangers following a strong Lowland League season while Hamilton's Ben Summers has shown promise at Celtic, along with fellow Lanarkshire starlet Rocco Vata.

Brown says the league's member clubs have benefited financially from the move and it's why they are set to return in the 2022/23 campaign.

He told the Official Catchup : "That (£25,000 entry fee) combined with the financial side of it, this season our analysis indicates over £135,000 has come into the league or member clubs.

"(That's) made up of entry fees from the guest clubs, sponsorship arrangements and increased gate money when the guest clubs visit.

"I can’t be specific why clubs voted to continue but I think most clubs would see there have been a benefit financially to them.

"There’s early evidence that it has been beneficial to the Colts players that have taken part in the season so far."

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