Taking a step back from the footballing side of things, I think it's about time we sat and looked and what is happening and what could happen because of the mess at Ibrox.
As a Rangers fan, I am livid about the situation and simply feel disgusted that we have been dragged so far into this mess. The punishments from the SFA and SPL have been fair and even, we can't argue against that, but now I do really feel for the rest of the SPL and Scottish football as a whole. Now before I get into this, I am not about to set upon an uneducated "you need us rant" so please, just read what I have to say, THINK ABOUT IT and then calmly respond. We are all (well mostly) adults here, not need to get petty.
So the facts:
As it stands, the SPL is in a state! Only 3 clubs are (effectively) debt free as of this financial year (Celtic, Hibs and St Johnstone). The rest are a mix bag of small debts with the likes of Motherwell up to terrible debts in Hearts and, well Rangers have their own chart. Having said this, for many clubs, the debts are manageable against their income and that is healthy.
Next lets look at income. For the larger clubs who gain a healthy crowd and relative success, gate receipts and prize money can go a long way. This however is not sustainable in the SPL and naturally the media (Sky, ESPN and BBC for cups) boost the income. As we all know, TV money is skewed in Scotland with the larger clubs getting a larger pot (or more the Old Firm getting the majority). This leaves the smaller teams a bit out of pocket, however it still represents one of the largest revenue streams.
Should Rangers disappear (either from the SPL or completely), the SPL would face a unique situation. In reality we all know that Sky would either cancel or renegotiate the TV deal. Sky pay for Rangers AND Celtic, it is a fact. Only having one, Sky would most likely slash their fee or simply allow ESPN to take a larger share. Regardless, the SPL as a whole would lose out on media incomes. Here comes my point and i suspect many will disagree.
Name a league with 1 dominant team that is successful both nationally and internationally. You cant. Without a fight, Celtic would (over time) begin to fall in quality. With less media income, there would be cut backs. With less success in Europe, we would have less places and thus hit a downward spiral. For the teams in debt, less media income would be tough on them and for Celtic, although they may avoid debt, they would in time become a shadow of their former self.
At the other end, however, I do see potential for a great chance. Take Hibs for example. No debt, well run and a great fan base (in the scheme of things). Less media money would obviously mean cutbacks but they are in a great place already. With less competition from the top and the larger (more in debt) teams feeling the pinch, slightly lower (and well run teams) could prosper. Should this occur, the top would fall, the bottom would rise and the league would become closer. Fantastic for many of the clubs in the leagues however the giants tend to stand together and fall together.
I may be wrong but if the tables were turned and Celtic were in Rangers position, I would be a very worried Rangers fan.
- only my opinion, calm responses would be great for once
Its a tough one. I agree with the punishment yet don't want to see my club fold, you see the dilemma. As for the rest again its tough. I think a collapse could be good and bad. It would force clubs to be more economical yet this could hamper quality. It would however bring the league closer and really that is good for everyone. I think its bad for only the clubs who are run badly (hearts and rangers). As for Celtic I would really only say that if rangers collapse they will have to tone things down. The clubs really do play off the rivalry and that makes money, great but if that stops, things could be tough. My "good list" was by no means complete, it was just a quick few examples, hibs being the best i could muster. As for the punishment, i would be shocked if the SFA or SPL were lenient. I dont like the transfer embargo and think that could push us over but as pointed out, it happened to dundee so it has to stick. I also would expect us to goto the 3rd division and in all honesty i would be happy with that. Fair punishment and large(er) crowds could help some smaller teams (all be it only 4 games a season) win-win.