With Scottish football in steep decline, the SPL has become somewhat of a joke, with dwindling crowds and the teams now little more than cannon fodder when it comes to European competitions. In all honesty, for a country of 5 million people, Scotland shouldn't expect too much when it comes to football. Although commentators often talk about the glorious 60s and 70s, apart from Inter Milan having an off-night in 1967, and wins for Rangers and Aberdeen in the now-defunct cup winners cup, there's been little evidence of Scottish teams really ever competing at the top level. In it's current state, a trip to an SPL game can be a pretty grim experience. Paying 25 quid to go to a Kilmarnock home game in a 70% empty stadium to watch a group of no-mark footballers hoof it about for 90 minutes is not good value in anyone's book. The standard does get slightly better elsewhere, and the SPL's showcase match is still the "Old Firm" Celtic v Rangers clash which takes place far too often to still hold any sense of occasion. Much is made of the religious hostility that plagues this fixture, but in recent years I've grown to think that the animosity is almost as much to do with the different psychological characteristics between both sets of fans. Celtic fans often portray a desperation to be loved and see themselves as victims, while Rangers fans often show a similar need to be hated and portray themselves as oppressors. Despite it's reputation, the Old Firm derby is becoming more of a non-event with each passing year, as a growing wave of indifference encompasses both sets of fans, not exactly enthralled at the mediocre players on the pitch, or the prospect of becoming Scottish champions only to be humiliated in Europe the following season. Outside Glasgow, the best on offer probably comes from the 2 Edinburgh clubs, Hibs and Hearts. On big games their grounds have intimidating, traditional football atmospheres even if the standard of football can be a bit hit or miss. I reallyhope the SPL can improve in the coming years as it is in danger of turning into a footballing backwater much like the Irish or Welsh leagues. However with relatively poor investment from TV companies and the standard falling further and further behind even second-teir European leagues such as Holland and Portugal, the future does not bode well. read more

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If the SPL was a car, it would be advertised for sale as having "seen better days". With the worldwide economy in the state that it currently is, its no surprise that football too has taken a bit of a hit in its wallet. With the TV money dwindling thanks in most to the demise of the Setanta group and the knock on effect this has on Scottish teams ability to finance moves for players, the quality in the SPL has dropped quite significantly over the past couple of seasons. Now most of the previous reviews have been pretty damning in there view of the quality in the Scottish game.....and i kind of find it hard to disagree. The unfortunate thing for the Scottish game and this goes for many smaller leagues, is the access to other leagues around the world via satellite and digital TV. Why on earth would you want to watch Celtic v Hamilton when you can see Manchester United V Arsenal. This said however, there is something about watching a live game that has to be experienced by any football fan and of like my your a life long follower of a Scottish team then its hard to just diagnose it as shit and walk away. For this reason and for no other you just have to put up with it and stop complaining!! read more

My favourite sketch on "Only An Excuse", Scotland's football themed comedy show (always on before the bells at Hogmanay). The manager of Kilmarnock, or another minor team is the guest of football focus. "Let's open up the on-line forum," says the host. They scroll down the list. "Rangers, Celtic, Rangers, Old Firm, Celtic, Rangers, Rangers, Celtic... no questions for you here... Celtic, Celtic, Rangers... oh, hang on, here's a question for the Kilmarnock manager..." "Who do you think is best, Rangers or Celtic?" It is funny because it is true. Scottish football goes from these two internationally known clubs, straight down to the "others". Their domination makes the Premier league a two horse race, usually becoming a one horse race around February. The only debate at the moment seems to be- is this bad for Scottish football (usually answered "yes") or "will they leave and join the English Premier (probably not). The decline of Scottish football- which isn't as steep as some imagine- is a question of cash, not interest. While other leagues in Europe have the big money to build, Scottish teams are hampered, simply because they don't have the income. The old days of Aberdeen winning the UEFA cup are long gone, as the rest of Europe has more lucrative sponsorship. That said, you can still see a quality game: a bit old fashioned and quite physical, but then again, as a speedway fan, I am a sucker for nostalgia in sport. When they resolve the Old Firm problem- which is tied into ail sorts of issues of national identity and glamour- the Premier might become more exciting again- let's just hope they don't go for this bizarre North Atlantic League set up that has been mooted. read more