Dons chief backs British Cup

Could Celtic and Man Utd meet soon in a British Cup?

Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne is in favour of a British Cup and believes such an event would prove more popular than the current League Cups on either side of the border.

Milne, who is a member of the Scottish Premier League board, insists Scotland must adapt to meet the expected changes in football in the future.

The Pittodrie chief maintains that a competition, involving clubs from England and Scotland, could be one possible way forward in the near future.

However, the English Football League have already dismissed Milne's proposals as "largely unworkable".

"General discussions about a British Cup have been going on for some time," Milne told the Aberdeen Evening Express.

"There will be massive changes in football in Britain and Europe over the next five years.

Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne

"With that in mind, we have to explore every opportunity to ensure the clubs in Scotland aren't left behind.

"Talks will also continue to persuade clubs in England to link up with us in some form. It's good for the Scottish game that the SPL are looking to the future more and more."

SPL chief executive Roger Mitchell recently advocated the idea of a British League combining forces with the Nationwide League in England.

However, Milne believes the creation of a British Cup is a more realistic ambition.

Football League spokesman John Nagle begs to differ.

"While the Football League is always open to suggestions, a British Cup is unlikely. The League Cup is the jewel in our crown," said Nagle.

It's up to us to show a British Cup would be successful, both commercially and from the point of view of providing new excitement for spectators

Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne

"Next season it will be worth £80million in television and attendance money and therefore it is the most important competition in terms of redistribution and link-up through the game in England.

"We would not want to consider changing that. There is also the attraction of the European place and there would be a question over that.

"It would also create such a long distance for clubs to travel in midweek.

"I think it is largely unworkable.

"The Anglo-Scottish Cup never really took off and I think it is unlikely to if it was ever tried again."

The CIS Insurance League Cup has lost some of its gloss following the removal of European qualification for the winners.

Much the same as England's larger clubs, Rangers and Celtic have attracted criticism in recent years for fielding weakened teams. This, however, has not stopped the Old Firm from dominating the trophy.

"There is still a lot of talking to be done," insisted Milne, who may envisage a tournament featuring only clubs from the SPL and the English Premiership and therefore outside the jurisdiction of the Football Leagues.

"It's up to us to show a British Cup would be successful, both commercially and from the point of view of providing new excitement for spectators."