John McClelland praised the bid from the BBC

The Old Firm and Dundee United were dissenting voices as the 12 SPL clubs this week voted for Setanta's bid.

"Rangers and Celtic will be happy to work with the Setanta bid, but the BBC bid had its merits as well," said the Rangers chairman.

"I am not 100% convinced that pay-per-view, plus highlights, is best."

Setanta's �35m bid will see 38 live games shown in Scotland over the next four years by the Dublin-based broadcaster.

Most SPL chairmen had been persuaded by the argument that live matches on terrestrial television had reduced attendances at football grounds.

McClelland pointed out that there were many other outlets offering live football on television.

Gers 'still in big league'

"There is a combination of aspects that might contribute," he suggested.

Celtic and Rangers had previously vetoed attempts by the SPL to set up its own pay-per-view channel, but this time the voting structure had changed to a majority decision.

The SPL had hoped that losers for the new live contract might be interested in providing a highlights package on terrestrial television.

But, so far, the BBC has said that live football is its priority.