There has been much talk lately about the Old Firm clubs moving to the Premiership or the Championship in England. Martin Bain of Rangers and Peter Lawwell of Celtic have been rolling over like puppy dogs anytime anyone mentions the prospect. One suggestion that should not be allowed to see the light of day is the muted Atlantic League. The idea of Celtic and Rangers playing Copenhagen and Rosenborg fills us at OFF with dread. These teams occasionally make the Champions League. Aalborg and Copenhagen have entered once each (and both beat Celtic) but are generally consigned to early round Uefa Cup football.
We at OFF believe in the SPL. In 1967 and in 1972 Scotland had the highest Uefa coefficient in Europe. (Check out Dutchman Bert Kassies' excellent European football website for confirmation.) Wouldn't it be wonderful if Bain and Lawwell could channel as much energy into trying to improve the Scottish league. Celtic and Rangers made their names in Scottish football. Celtic and Rangers have garnered their worldwide reputations in the Scottish League. Do Celtic and Rangers not feel a responsibility to the league that has been their bread and butter since 1890? We at OFF have some suggestions for the Old Firm.
1. Move over to summer football
Football is more about 'revenue streams' than fans nowadays. A move to summer football would allow the SPL to look for broadcasters who would receive the rights to show Scottish football between May and August. Few leagues outside Scandanavia play their football in summer so the competition for broadcasting rights is limited. In 1995 Rugby League were told by Sky TV to move over to summer rugby. There was some resistance. One common points on phone-ins was: I go my holidays in July/August, so my season book is no use to me then. Also, with warmer weather the kick offs were changes to 6pm.
However, it proved a major success and within a couple of seasons crowds were back, the product was improved (no more mud bath games of winter) and St Helens won the World Club Championship against the top Australian side. The only team capable of that feat up until then had been Wigan. Leeds and Bradford have subsequently been World Champs.
And of course, Sky TV was able to showcase the sport better when the football season was over.
2. Two under-21 players must start the match not just warm the bench. This is not such a tall order. Celtic and Rangers could have comfortably achieved this a few years ago. McGeady and O'Dea for Celtic and Burke and Hutton would have fulfilled the condition.
3. The Old Firm should not be allowed to purchase any players from the SPL for three years. Crazy, radical? Yes, but we need radical measures.
