Reid would prefer a larger top-flight league in Scotland
By John Barnes
Hamilton manager Billy Reid believes Scottish football needs to field more youth players in an expanded top division if it is to succeed.
A 10-team Scottish Premier League is being proposed as the way forward for the game in Scotland, but the Accies boss does not agree.
"I'm not too sure that's the right answer," said Reid. "I would like the league to be bigger.
"The only way the game's going to get better is by fielding young players."
The SPL member clubs will meet on Monday to discuss a range of proposals on the restructuring of Scottish football, with the size of the top league high on the agenda.
The pressure on managers at the top end to remain in the league at times stunts us from bringing young players through
Hamilton manager Billy Reid
However, Reid believes that a bigger emphasis should be made on clubs developing home-grown talent and managing their income better.
"The pressure on managers at the top end to remain in the league at times stunts us from bringing young players through," said Reid.
"So I think a bigger league would help that.
"But it all comes down to finances and everybody's got a different agenda. I won't have a say in that."
Reid is also pleased that coach Stuart Taylor has resolved his differences with the club and signed a contract, although assistant manager Andy Millen is unlikely to return to New Douglas Park.
Millen and first-team coach Taylor appeared to be leaving the club after reaching a contract impasse.
Both men failed to sign new deals despite reminders and the club viewed them as being out of contract, although the Accies chairman Ronnie MacDonald insisted that the pair had not been sacked.
"I'm delighted as Stuart's been a big success for me and for Hamilton for the last four to five years," said Reid.
"It was just unfortunate the way things panned out."
Bookmark with:
What are these?