© Reuters 2002

GLASGOW, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Adam Crozier's decision to resign as chief executive of the English Football Association has ruined the hopes of Celtic and Rangers joining the English premier league, according to Rangers chairman John McClelland.

McClelland says Scotland's two biggest clubs lost their biggest ally in England when Scot Crozier quit after two years last week over clashes on how the game should be run.

"There is nothing more that can be done to further our case. When Adam Crozier resigned last week our last chance of relocating in England went with him," McClelland was quoted in Scottish newspapers on Tuesday.

"He left his job because the premiership clubs want to run the game down south.

"If they are to be given control of their own destiny - and the clubs in that league have already voted overwhelmingly in favour of not admitting the Old Firm (Celtic and Rangers) - then there is even less chance of agreement to admit the Old Firm to the premiership at the expense of two other clubs."

Recent history emphasises Celtic and Rangers are outgrowing the competition in Scotland more than ever before and many supporters of their 10 rivals are not watching games against the Glasgow clubs because of the one-sided nature of the contests.

McClelland said: "I think the majority of Old Firm fans would rather we played outside of Scotland.

"But I detect there is still a large element who want to see us make the most of the Scottish Premier League and have no interest in the prospect of going to see Rangers or Celtic play, say, Southampton one day."