Geoffrey Richmond today rubbished talk of regionalising the Football League and said: "There's more chance of Martians landing on Earth."

The City chairman dismissed the latest radical plan which suggested ripping up the Nationwide divisions for three regional leagues. The top three from each would go into a play-off league with the best three then winning promotion to the Premiership.

Richmond laughed off the scheme - which would copy the format of America's National Basketball Association - but expects new plans to be drawn up before talks begin over the next television contract.

He said: "There is a restructuring debate going on which clearly will continue and will undoubtedly climax prior to the TV deal. That will probably act as a catalyst for change.

"Bearing in mind discussions for the next deal will start in a little over 12 months, I expect some sort of proposal to be considered by all parties within that time."