Taylor: Bring in top Scots

'Rather than just paper over the cracks of the League, let's be positive and make sure football is in as many towns and cities as possible in England and Scotland.

'If the problems in Scotland continue, one option for the League is to think about a combination with them to add extra spice and variety to the League.'

Taylor's fears over the future of English football have been cemented by official PFA figures that show 431 of 562 players given free transfers this summer are still without a club.

Taylor's plan would have to be approved by leagues north and south of the Border, the FA and UEFA. Parkhead chairman Brian Quinn yesterday admitted for the first time that Celtic had looked at the possibility of joining the Nationwide structure, saying: 'Celtic explored suggestions that they might consider joining the Nationwide, along with Rangers.

'I believe the factors which prompted us to explore such possibilities will not disappear; and we will continue to be receptive to structural change, while maintaining our stance of not abandoning Scottish football.

'We believe it can be done, with goodwill on all sides.' But SPL chief executive Roger Mitchell, like many of the Scottish hierarchy, was not so positive about Taylor's plan. He believes the leagues should get their own houses in order before discussions on any unification can start.

Mitchell said: ' We've spoken to our colleagues in England on many occasions regarding the future of the game.

'However, I would suggest that before anything meaningful could be discussed, it would be better if both organisations were to resolve some of their internal issues.'

Meanwhile, Bradford City players, who have been given a £5,000 short-term loan by Taylor's union, were stunned yesterday to find out they will not be paid until the end of the month.

The troubled First Division outfit had an internal crisis meeting with the PFA when they were told that the salaries - unpaid since May - are going to be late by possibly up to three weeks. Players were due their back pay and wages before the season starts this weekend and were shocked to discover there will be a further delay.

The only money given to the staff has been the loan from the PFA, but that has to be returned once the club's payroll starts again. Yet despite this problem, the PFA is pushing ahead with an agreement to let Bradford into the Football League before tomorrow's deadline.

Taylor's union is taking the view that it is better that their members are paid late rather than allowing the club to be wound up and leaving their members with nothing.

Bradford's cash crisis has also held back the transfer of Eoin Jess to Nottingham Forest. The club cannot give him the pay-off he expected, so he trained with Bradford yesterday.