Scramble to join Phoenix League

There would be problems, too, in the top division, which might be reduced to 18 clubs from its present 20. That could mean five clubs being relegated at the end of next season.

Representatives of England's top clubs have so far kept quiet about their views on the Phoenix League while they await official confirmation of the plans, which were due to be kept under wraps for some time yet.

England's big four - Manchester United, Liverpool, Leeds and Arsenal - do not want their cherished Premier League brand name diluted.

They would also refuse to accept less money as a result of the changes and will do their utmost to ensure it does not happen. But they do want an 18-club Premier League, which would evolve from the changes.

Arsenal and FA vice-chairman David Dein said during a Sky Sports interview with football presenter Richard Keys at the weekend: 'I can see the logic of another division, whether it is a stand-alone or part of the Premiership. I'm just worried what it does to the rest of football. It's not officially on the Premier League's agenda. It's certainly not on the FA's agenda, but there is a meeting of the Football League where it will be discussed officially this coming week.

'If there is going to be another division, what happens to the rump of the League? 'What happens to Divisions Two and Three? Do they just get cast adrift? We can't be irresponsible.

'Clubs need the dream factor. Wimbledon came from obscurity into the Premier League and won the Cup.

'It just can't be about a handful of clubs that want to be glamorous and great. And it's not about a selection of clubs breaking away. When the Premier League started, it was the whole of the First Division that broke.

'If they're going to go, it has to be by sporting criteria only. Why should Manchester City or Birmingham usurp Crewe?'

Watford chief executive Tim Shaw said yesterday: 'A Premier League Two is inevitable and Watford will be part of it. There is no use pretending that changes won't be made. 'The top English clubs wish to play more European football and need a smaller domestic schedule, while Celtic and Rangers can't continue as they are.'

Nottingham Forest chief executive Mark Arthur said: 'It's almost inevitable. The gulf between the Premier League and Division One is so great, and there is a chasm now in the amount of money that is in the Premiership and what we have in Division One. 'From what we know it would be a good move from Forest's point of view.'

There are threats from lower division clubs that Coventry's Bryan Richardson and Bradford's Geoffrey Richmond, chairmen of two of the original rebel six, will be asked to stand down from the Football League board. But that wouldn't be much of a hardship as the six clubs in the vanguard of the breakaway move plan to give notice of their provisional resignation from the League by December 31.

TV cash is key to the Phoenix