The Football League have rejected such an idea, with opponents arguing that clubs would lose their identities if they became subsumed under a larger entity.

However, that ruling has simply resulted in the likes of Manchester United looking abroad to countries such as Belgium for links with other clubs, thereby taking investment overseas.

While firmly rejecting any idea of Rangers and Celtic joining the domestic English leagues, Hutchinson called on the Football League to look at approving nursery clubs in their imminent review of the game's structure.

He said: "They have a great opportunity to help the game in the lower divisions with some radical thinking about nursery clubs.

"The Football League board have previously shunned the idea. But the game is crying out for such a move.

"Millions of pounds are being invested by Premiership sides in overseas clubs because nursery links are forbidden in this country.

"Many Football League clubs would welcome a Premiership tie-up. In some cases, it could prevent extinction.

"There are dozens of community clubs that are an important part of local life but with few aspirations to climb to the higher reaches.

"They would benefit from a helping hand from a Premiership outfit. Assistance with coaching, commercial deals, the loan of young players, investment in youth policies.

"The scope is unlimited. Instead of investing overseas in nursery clubs, most Premiership sides would prefer to keep the money in the English game.

"But it won't happen unless the Football League moves into the 21st Century."