MONEY talks.

So, it seems, do those in the corridors of power at Hampden.

After years of inactivity and dogged stalemate, change appears imminent for Scottish football, with the demise of Rangers the catalyst for a radical overhaul of our game.

David Beattie knows the plans on the table will not appease everyone.

As chairman of Partick Thistle, the bottom line on the balance sheet is of paramount importance, yet he must judge the mood of his fellow Jags supporters as he ponders where the Scottish game is heading.

The Firhill supremo has been a long-time advocate of league reconstruction and the introduction of play-offs, giving teams in the Irn-Bru First Division a greater chance of claiming a place among our elite teams.

With newco Rangers set to be forced to play in Scotland's second tier next term, a revamp of our league system appears closer than ever.

The cash benefits of having Ally McCoist's side as opposition will be considerable for teams such as Thistle, Hamilton, Morton and Dumbarton, but the arrival of the Gers would all but kill off any hopes of on-field success.

Beattie admits the financial boom would be hard to resist for First Division chairmen, but the Jags supremo is adamant the league should not be turned into a Light Blue title procession in the coming months and has called for the best of the rest to be given a shot at promotion glory.

"I think the plans just now are a good compromise all round," he told SportTimes. "The balance between sporting integrity and commercialisation is one that has to be satisfied.

"This will not be to everyone's agreement. A lot of fans would like to see Rangers in the Third Division, but commercially that would be a nightmare for Scottish football.

"The key for me are the play-offs. What you don't want is Rangers coming into the First Division, winning it outright, which they probably will do, and going straight into the SPL again.

"If there are play-offs, then the rest of the teams have something to play for as well. I have said for a long time that there should be play-offs anyway. I know everybody won't be happy, but I think it is a good compromise."

Beattie has sanctioned four new signings at Firhill so far this summer, with boss Jackie McNamara building a squad he hopes will challenge for First Division glory.

The arrival of Rangers would throw a huge spanner in the works, how-ever, with the Jags no longer fighting the likes of Dundee and Falkirk for the league flag but likely to be left behind by McCoist's men.

Any on-field drawbacks would be offset by the financial gains, with the arrival of the Ibrox giants likely to generate significant funds for a cash-strapped league.

Clubs could benefit to the tune of around £250k if Rangers are parachuted into the First Division next term and Beattie hopes the cash boost will be significant at Firhill.

He said: "If the financial benefit was around £250k a year, I would be delighted –and so would Jackie.

"The problem is we don't have a lot of time and we don't know how much will be coming in until we have plans in place and the season starts.

"We are getting a restructuring of Scottish football, the move to one organisation is long overdue.

"Rangers are being punished, which is justified. There is a compromise between sporting integrity and commercialisation. Hopefully there is a TV deal. If that is something that comes out of this then great. I can see very few downsides to it just now.

"Friday night football is a good idea as well. Whether the Rangers fans would be happy with that, I don't know.

"Geography plays a big part in Friday night football. I don't think it should be all the time but in certain circumstances I am all for it."

Seeing Rangers stride out at First Division grounds may bring cheer to club chairman, but the reaction from fans has been decidedly mixed.

SPL followers have vowed to boycott matches if Charles Green's newco club are granted a return to the top flight, with the ultimate sanction – a place in the Third Division –the preferred option for many fans across the country.

Beattie said: "I can fully understand why some of the fans will be upset, definitely.

"I can understand why First Division chairmen will be delighted because they are getting some extra finance. That is the big compromise.

"I don't think putting Rangers in the Third Division would help Scottish football. Putting them in the First Division is a compromise. It is maybe not palatable for everyone, but it is a compromise that I think works. Out of adversity comes opportunity."