cleavers said:
TTTCITYBHOY said:
Fair enough quote mate,but wasn't the EPL the same for a good few years.
The difference being the old firm firstly took all the best young players, then they went foreign with the big signings, which have become increasingly lesser signings, and so scotland has basically lost a generation of young footballers, something it was very good at producing, mainly because the old firm became too obsessed with beating each other, and became less interested in youth, just the money, and even the few that did break through there, struggled to get into the first teams, and they didn't want to go to the aberdeens and dundees any more. In the PL the lower clubs (City included in the past) have signed lots of foreign players, some decent, some not, but the level hasn't dropped, in fact I'd say its got better. There was a time the SPL was almost on a par, both competitively, and qualitatively with the PL (well old division 1 anyway), but now the bulk of the SPL is at league 2/1 level.
The 'old firm' for me are the main reason for this, because they have monopolised the scottish game in so many ways, but the SFA are equally cuplable for letting it happen, and allowing the daft league structure you now have. I find it ironic that the former highland league teams seem to progress quicker than the old school clubs.
Sadly I can't see how it will be turned round, and the old firm joining english football will certainly not help scottish football. For me scottish football is at its lowest point quality wise, and watching tonight just goes to prove that point. The 'old firm' fans still have the passion they always did (even if it continues to be misguided at times), but crowds are well down (even in glasgow), and the less watching it, the less money will come in, and the "product" on show tonight will not travel far I'm afraid.
Couple of decent points made, but flawed in a number of areas. Agree that both clubs have signed the best players from other SPL teams which has made competitors weaker, but with the biggest fan bases brings more money, this then results in the smaller teams unable to compete with the big two for funding big name signings and their wages.
The same situation is staring at you and a lot closer to home than you think. In the last 2 years, MCFC are proof of that, having signed key players from other sides i.e Lescott from Everton, Barry & Milner from Villa, Clichy, Nasri, Adebayor from Arsenal etc. Those 3 teams mentioned have been severely weakened and not spent the money made wisely, using it to buy cheaper replacements or not spend at all. While City get better and reap the benefits and success you'll not complain, and that's the way it is up here. Unfortunately, the last 3 years have seen Celtic play probably the better football, but not benefitted from winning ugly (and looking ugly!), "honest mistakes" from officials and also not winning crucial matches, thus coming off second best in the league title race.
Regards the comments on the youth set up in Scotland, again it's not entirely accurate. Celtic youths at various age levels are running riot and have done for a number of years. When the Reserve league folded 2 years ago Celtic had won the previous 9 seasons pretty comfortably. Guys like McGeady, Sheridan, Maloney, McManus, Wallace, Beattie (the latter 4 all in England) have all had some success in the game. Ranjurs have had Ferguson, Hutton and Adam who are home grown and playing/played in the Premier League.
The SPL crowds are really poor and think they will continue to dwindle while the product on the park remains as it is. It is hard to not go, i've had a season ticket at CP for nearly 18 years, broken up with visiting CoMS/Eitihad (and previously Maine Road) for anything between 3 and 10 games a season and I enjoy the distraction and the break away from the SPL!!
