Town chairman David Sheepshanks says he expects great change to the structure of English football over the next few years with the development of a second Premiership division likely.

Sheepshanks told the club site: "The status quo is no longer sustainable nor acceptable. We may well ultimately see the emergence of two elite divisions - in my view possibly even elected on criteria as opposed to merit - perhaps even with no promotion or relegation beneath them - thereby propagating the emergence of a USA-style franchise ownership system.

"Although our inner instincts may be to throw our hands up in horror at such a suggestion, I actually believe that something radical along these lines may be the solution.

"Apart from the idea of asking Celtic and Rangers to join Division One, thereby enhancing its TV/sponsorship value, nobody in the game seems to be coming forward with any other ideas.

"There is a limit as to how long Premiership clubs will tolerate being relegated into financial turmoil at best, or bankruptcy at worst.

"The conundrum is how to create a viable life for two divisions at the top (as opposed to one as now) and yet preserve the very important divisions below."

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