I hear on R4 this morning that discussions are underway to merge these 2 competitions "bringing them together at the semi-final stage". If it goes ahead it could start next season. The BBC commentator said that this would create the chance for the likes of Arsenal or Man Utd to play Celtic or Rangers. I've no idea why Spurs or Blackburn weren't mentioned. :-)

One potential problem is the UEFA cup qualification. The rules say that only competitions in 1 country can qualify a team so it may need special negotiations with UEFA.

Interesting. It might spice up this competition to have a potential semi final of Chesterfield vs Falkirk.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002

Answers

Heard this. Would be good fun - bring some sort of interest to the Worthy anyway!

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002

First out of the hat I'll be Inverness Cally v Plymouth Argyle..

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002

Sounds like a big scrap between Sassenachs and Jocks to me.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002

Even greater imperative for the Scottish draw to have warm balls in it, so to speak. This year's teams would have been Sheff Wed, Blackburn, Spurs, Chelsea, Hibs, Ayr, Rangers and Celtic. Sorry without seeding this would do nothing for me.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002

Not likely to affect us if they don't merge until the semi final stage!

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002