Thistle Scotland Europe

African Teams in UEFA Competitions. I think it could be an interesting idea to allow selected African club sides in the Champions League, Europa League, and the new UEFA Europa Conference League. Africa has a great football history and culture. Africa has produced some great players and international teams. In rugby union the South African teams have been playing in the Pro14. with Italian, Welsh, Scottish and Irish sides. So if South African rugby club teams can play in the European rugby trophies, why not African soccer teams playing in European football trophies? There are some great African sides in football history in Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa and Cameroon, We could have Scottish teams playing top African sides, It would be cool for Aberdeen Celtic, Rangers, Dundee United, Hibernian and Hearts to play big African sides.. I have previously posted an idea of Scotland holding a trophy with African sides. But UEFA could probably better afford to have African sides in a European trophy, Much of Africa is on the same or similar time zones as Western Europe. So jet lag would not be an issue. I accept travel is an issue. But look at the distances clubs travel in India, China, the USA, Australia, Brazil, and Russia, So it could be an idea for African club sides to play in European trophies, Imagine Celtic travelling to Egypt for a game in Cairo. Or Rangers flying to Morocco. Or Aberdeen having a game in Cape Town. What does everyone think of this idea? Would it be too crazy?

Aberdeen have a good manager, and good players, but are rebuilding. Aberdeen fans need to be patient. I think they have a good young team now. McInnes needs to be given time to develop the new team. He ha done a great job as Aberdeen boss. He has made millions in transfer fees this year, Hibs, Dundee United and Hearts have all been relegated in the last 10 years, So Aberdeen fans should be patient with a decent manager,

I support an Atlantic League Cup, with teams from other European nations, on top of domestic and UEFA competitions. But here is a real crazy idea. This is not a joke idea. I know some will laugh at the idea. But take it seriously. Now we all know that South African sides were taking part in the Pro 14 rugby trophy involving Scottish, Irish, Welsh and Italian sides. SO HERE IS A BIG IDEA - How about a Scottish - Africa Cup in soccer? All Scottish Premier sides with invited club teams from Africa. We could pay top African club sides to stay in Scotland for a month or two where they play Scottish sides in a group stage trophy, Africa has great players and club sides, but is relatively poor compared to Scotland. So we could pay for great high quality club sides to come and play Scottish sides in a competitive trophy, Surely they would jump at the chance, because they could come to a Western developed nation to play football. The top African sides would be cheap to attract because Africa is poorer than Europe. We could get high quality African football clubs playing top Scottish sides so attract TV audiences from Africa, and the World. If South African rugby club sides can play club teams from Australia and Argentina., then why can't African soccer sides play Scottish soccer sides, using Scotland as a base? My idea would be the African club sides would move their players to Africa for a month or two and play Scottish club sides in a group stage trophy, Surely Scotland could afford to attract top teams due to our wealth. And Africa would not have a serious jet lag issue. As we have similar time zones. I know the idea seems crazy at first. But if African sides can play sides from New Zealand in rugby, then why not African sides playing Scottish soccer sides? WHY NOT? It would be fin, exotic, ambitious, and mean Scottish football having an impact on big African nations, We would attract great teams and players to play top Scottish sides. Also perhaps some African national sides could be invited., The smaller African nations with less superstar players. But i would mostly be the top African club sides., This is not a joke Idea. Teams travel massive distances in Russia, the USA, Brazil, India, China, Australia. So why not attract some top African clubs to play Scottish sides in a cross border cup. By the way. I am not suggesting African club sides play in the Scottish League, Scottish Cup, or Scottish League Cup. I am suggesting we create a new trophy that involves all Scottish Premier sides and invited African club sides. I would love this to happen.

I think the new Aberdeen players need time to adapt to a new team. Aberdeen are in a strong position with a good manager. They just need to be patient. Aberdeen are basically building a new team now. Even Jim Mclean only won 3 trophies in around 20 years at his great Dundee United side. Just be patient. McInnes is a great manager.

Atlantic League Cup. I think we need an extra cross border trophy for Scottish club sides, UEFA and FIFA have said they do not support a European Super League. So it looks like it would be tough to set up a Atlantic League, as that would count as a European Surer League, But surely one option is to have an Atlantic League Cup. So we get the best of both worlds where we keep our own domestic leagues, plus participation in the UEFA trophies such as the Champions League, the Europa League and the new European Conference League. But we add to that a Scottish inspired extra European trophy, UEFA have allowed the Scottish to allow Welsh, Irish and English sides in the Scottish Challenge Cup. UEFA allowed the Scandinavians to do the Royal League which involved cross border football. So UEFA do not seem to have a problem with extra cross border competitive trophies on top of domestic and European football. They want the domestic leagues to remain but do not have a problem with extra trophies, on top of the present system. Participating Nations. I think as long as Scotland takes part, and there are more than 3 or four nations entering teams into the trophy then that would be fine. Nations entering participating teams could include from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium, Portugal, Russia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Ukraine, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary, the Basque region. Maybe even teams from the USA and Canada could take part,. To me as long as Scotland enters 4 teams, and you have a trophy with teams from countries as strong as Poland, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. That would be an attractive trophy. Organisation of trophy. A guaranteed group stage section, with at least the top four Scottish sides entering the trophy in an automatic group stage. Plus this could be followed by a knockout stage of single leg rounds. It would probably need reorganisation of the participating national leagues, so to reduce the number of games each club plays to make way for new games. The name of the trophy could be the Atlantic League Cup or ideas like a European Atlantic Cup, That could be up to the branders of the trophy. It would be great to have teams from Scandinavia. As Scandinavia is a massive TV market that gives huge finances to the TV deals to the big national leagues in Europe, Benefits for Scottish football. This would give Scottish sides, something big to aim for. It would be fun matches against op quality club sides. Imagine games like Aberdeen v Ajax, Legia Warsaw v Hibernian, AEK Athens v Glasgow Rangers, IFK v Heart of Midlothian, Dundee United v Basle, or Motherwell v Copenhagen,. It would be a fun addition to the Scottish soccer system. It would give high quality teams to play against. It could make big funds, Plus UEFA have allowed the Scots to have English, Welsh and Irish sides in the Scottish Challenge Cup. Each participating nation could enter 4 teams each. The knockout rounds could choose by luck who is the home side, or it could be decided by who did best in the group stage, It is an idea that could take off and give Scottish club a pathway to make more money from TV and play better sides from all over the continent. It would be worth a chance. I think Scottish fans would love to see high quality teams from across Europe,

What is the Scottish FA doing to mark the 150th and 200th anniversaries of International Soccer? The 150th anniversary will be in 2022. The first official international football game was in 1872 in Glasgow, Scotland, between Scotland and England. I think that FIFA and UEFA should mark this in a big way. Perhaps Scotland could play England in 2022 at Hampden, to mark the 150th anniversary? Or even bigger games could happen like a special Great Britain v Rest of the World game at Hampden Stadium. Or if Scotland do not qualify for the World Cup they could host a mini-tournament in Scotland for teams that did not qualify for the World Cup. It could be called the 150 Trophy. There has to be some way of marking the 150th anniversary of the first international football game. It would be a special day for Scotland. Also Scotland should have been given hosting duties for the 2022 World Cup as Scotland hosted the first international game in 1872, and 2022 is the 150th anniversary of the first game. But here is an even crazier idea. What about Scotland hosting the 2072 World Cup, as that will be the 200th anniversary of international soccer? We could have the final in Glasgow. Scotland should get some sort of reward for being the host of the first international game.

Atlantic League better than joining English League. I am not Anti-English. But I do not want the leading Scottish sides to join the English League. It would make everyone think Scotland is part of England, which would be humiliating for Scotland’s national identity. Other reasons against joining English League – All the trophies the Scottish club sides have won would be degraded to that of a non-league trophy, while all the trophies the English have won would be seen as real national trophies. Celtic and Rangers might go decades without winning trophies. Look at Leeds United, Newcastle United, Sunderland, and Aston Villa to see how difficult it is for even big English sides to win national trophies. Celtic and Rangers might go decades without winning trophies, or qualifying for Europe. The main reason is though that Scottish clubs would not start off in the top tier. They would be forced to start off in the bottom tier. In tier 8. I read of one fool who claimed that Celtic and Rangers should just take a hit and put themselves into the English League at the bottom tier. And then work their way up the systems. That is utter nonsense. What is the point in leaving national titles, and European football behind to spend decades trying to get into the EPL? So Celtic and Rangers alone could take decades to get into the EPL. Rangers struggled to get out of the Scottish Championship which is about the level of the National League Tier 5 in England. I think Celtic and Rangers would take 6 years to get into League Two, with the difficulties of adapting to new leagues, and attracting players and fans to non-league. It could take them another 5 years to adapt and get out of the League One League Two system. And then it could take them 10 years to get out of the Championship. It could then take them if lucky 5 years to change themselves in to the being able to challenge for the EPL title. That adds up to 28 years to adapt themselves to EPL challengers if everything goes realistically right for them. By that time there might be a European Super League, that Celtic and Rangers missed out on so they could play tier 8 of the English League. Surely it makes more sense for Celtic and Rangers to click their fingers and go straight into the top tier of a European Super League for smaller nation’s club sides? Bring in Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs, and Dundee United into the European Super League system too. Then you get fools who say let someone else form the European Super League and join later. That is just pathetic. The Scottish clubs would once again have to start off at the bottom of the pyramid system that is if they would be allowed to join after it had already started. Surely it makes more sense to join at the start, so that Scottish clubs are in the top division when it is formed. PLUS THE MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM WITH JOINING THE ENGLISH LEAGUE. The English DO NOT WANT SCOTTISH SIDES IN THE ENGLISH LEAGUES. The English are a very patriotic nation and the vast majority of English people have no motivation or interest in having Scottish or Irish sides in their league. They are patriotic in England. And do not see any need to bring Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs, Dundee United or the Irish sides into their league. They have the richest league in the world. Why would they need to bring Scottish and Irish clubs into their league? It is not about turkeys not voting for Christmas. It is the English are patriotic and want English teams in the English Leagues. IT IS UTTER NONSENSE TO THINK ENGLAND WOULD ALLOW SCOTTISH SIDES IN. They do not even want an Anglo Scottish Cup. Why would they wan us inn their league? It makes far more sense for Scotland to be at the forefront of creating new European Super Leagues where Scotland can be the instigator and get in at the start so they can start in the top division. Rather than joining the English leagues at tier 8. And being forced to wait going for 30 years for a Scottish to even challenge for trophies. Atlantic League better than joining English League. I am not Anti-English. But I do not want the leading Scottish sides to join the English League. It would make everyone think Scotland is part of England, which would be humiliating for Scotland’s national identity. Other reasons against joining English League – All the trophies the Scottish club sides have won would be degraded to that of a non-league trophy, while all the trophies the English have won would be seen as real national trophies. Celtic and Rangers might go decades without winning trophies. Look at Leeds United, Newcastle United, Sunderland, and Aston Villa to see how difficult it is for even big English sides to win national trophies. Celtic and Rangers might go decades without winning trophies, or qualifying for Europe. The main reason is though that Scottish clubs would not start off in the top tier. They would be forced to start off in the bottom tier. In tier 8. I read of one fool who claimed that Celtic and Rangers should just take a hit and put themselves into the English League at the bottom tier. And then work their way up the systems. That is utter nonsense. What is the point in leaving national titles, and European football behind to spend decades trying to get into the EPL? So Celtic and Rangers alone could take decades to get into the EPL. Rangers struggled to get out of the Scottish Championship which is about the level of the National League Tier 5 in England. I think Celtic and Rangers would take 6 years to get into League Two, with the difficulties of adapting to new leagues, and attracting players and fans to non-league. It could take them another 5 years to adapt and get out of the League One League Two system. And then it could take them 10 years to get out of the Championship. It could then take them if lucky 5 years to change themselves in to the being able to challenge for the EPL title. That adds up to 28 years to adapt themselves to EPL challengers if everything goes realistically right for them. By that time there might be a European Super League, that Celtic and Rangers missed out on so they could play tier 8 of the English League. Surely it makes more sense for Celtic and Rangers to click their fingers and go straight into the top tier of a European Super League for smaller nation’s club sides? Bring in Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs, and Dundee United into the European Super League system too. Then you get fools who say let someone else form the European Super League and join later. That is just pathetic. The Scottish clubs would once again have to start off at the bottom of the pyramid system that is if they would be allowed to join after it had already started. Surely it makes more sense to join at the start, so that Scottish clubs are in the top division when it is formed. PLUS THE MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEM WITH JOINING THE ENGLISH LEAGUE. The English DO NOT WANT SCOTTISH SIDES IN THE ENGLISH LEAGUES. The English are a very patriotic nation and the vast majority of English people have no motivation or interest in having Scottish or Irish sides in their league. They are patriotic in England. And do not see any need to bring Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs, Dundee United or the Irish sides into their league. They have the richest league in the world. Why would they need to bring Scottish and Irish clubs into their league? It is not about turkeys not voting for Christmas. It is the English are patriotic and want English teams in the English Leagues. IT IS UTTER NONSENSE TO THINK ENGLAND WOULD ALLOW SCOTTISH SIDES IN. They do not even want an Anglo Scottish Cup. Why would they wan us inn their league? It makes far more sense for Scotland to be at the forefront of creating new European Super Leagues where Scotland can be the instigator and get in at the start so they can start in the top division. Rather than joining the English leagues at tier 8. And being forced to wait going for 30 years for a Scottish to even challenge for trophies.

Rangers have drawn Royal Antwerp. I hope all Scottish sides do well in Europe, including Celtic and Rangers.

I think it is important to have Championship teams in the trophy. So there is as high a standard as possible in the trophy.

My proposal for the Atlantic League- I definitely support the idea of the Atlantic League for Scottish sides. I definitely agree with the idea. The reports suggest that the TV rights would be 350 million pounds a year, to be split between 20 club sides. Split over 20 sides that equal more than 15 million pounds a year of TV cash for each club in the league. Hopefully there would be money set aside for parachute payments, and compensation to national leagues who have lost their biggest club sides. Why I support the Atlantic League? The only way Scottish clubs can grow is if they join a big European trophy that enables the ambitious Scottish sides to earn more TV cash, and sponsorship so they can compete for major European trophies. 15 million pounds a year would put all Scottish clubs in the Atlantic League above the finances of almost any English Championship side. At present hardly any Scottish sides can even compete with an English Championship side on finances. So we lose our best players to English Championship sides. In an Atlantic League the sides like Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs would be able to buy multi-million-pound players every season. In fact any Scottish side that qualified for the Atlantic League would be able to consider multi-million pound signings. My only proviso with European Super League is when they are only open to the big countries, and are closed shops with no relegation. So for me, as long as there is open relegation and promotion I am happy with this Atlantic League idea. My own idea would be to have two conferences of 20 with teams from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, The Faroe Islands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Slovakia in the trophy. If the idea is successful then there could be teams from France, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Belgium invited into an expanded version of the trophy. EVEN MORE RADCIAL IDEA How about two or three teams invited into the league from the USA, and Canada? There was a Canadian side in the European Rugby League set up. So how about three teams from the East Coast of North American. Maybe one team from Canada and two from the USA. How about a team from New York, or New Jersey? It would help soccer develop in the USA. There is no chance of the English allowing Scottish sides into their league. I am not anti-English. But I do not want Scottish sides to join the English league, as it would make people think Scotland is part of England. Also if we had a British League. The annoying thing is it would start being regarded as a continuation of the English League. So all the trophies English sides had won would be counted as forerunners to the British League. And all the trophies the Scottish sides have won would be regarded as non-league cups. So Scottish sides would be starting off with having officially won no trophies. And all the English clubs would be starting off with all the trophies they had won in the English system. It would be really, really annoying. But I have always supported cross border cups with the English, on top of European and domestic soccer. Like bringing back the Anglo-Scottish Cup. Or like the way that English, Welsh, and Irish have been allowed to have sides in the Scottish Challenge Cup. But sadly I have come to the conclusion that the English would never allow Scottish, or Irish League sides to take part in their cup trophies, and there is no demand for an Anglo-Scottish Cup. I do not even think the English would allow the Old Firm into their league. It is just gone as an idea. The English are happy with English clubs and the 4 historic Welsh sides to remain in the English League. So the only way for Scottish sides to join a bigger league is to create a cross border league with other small or medium sized European nations. I would love Scottish sides to grow so they can challenge for European trophies. My priorities are for Scotland to get far in international tournaments, and for Scotland to attract and develop good players and for the Scottish club sides to do well in Europe. I think an Atlantic League would help this as it would earn more money for Scottish sides, so Scottish sides could compete in Europe to a certain level. I would expect Glasgow Celtic, Glasgow Rangers, Aberdeen, Dundee United, Heart of Midlothian, and Hibernian to be allowed to represent Scotland in the Atlantic League. But other clubs could get promoted and replace them. Thanks. --

I think they should share the 2020 Challenge Cup between Inverness CT and Raith Rovers. The first Scottish League title was shared. It is a serious trophy. But it was be a good solution for the two sides. -

Now the idea is back in vogue. The most recent idea is to have a Atlantic League with sides from Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Ireland. I am fully in support of Scotland joining this. As long as there is promotion and relegation. Plus that perhaps other countries could enter teams such as Finland, Poland, the Baltic states, Russia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. We could originally have Glasgow Celtic, Glasgow Rangers, Aberdeen, Hearts, and Hibs in the Atlantic League. I would even be happy for the idea to be done even if it is just Denmark, Scotland, Sweden, Ireland, and Norway. This would increase the TV revenues, and sponsorship deals for Scottish sides. I am against European Super Leagues when they are just set up as a closed shop, or just for the big countries., But this new idea would have promotion and relegation, so the likes of Dunfermline and Falkirk could be promoted into the system if they get investment, In the present era no Scottish team other than Celtic or Rangers could even win the Europa League. So we need to develop the system Scottish sides are in, to let Scottish clubs have a pathway to develop under investment into super clubs. I think the Atlantic League is that pathway. I honestly think every single soccer club in Scotland with investment could win promotion to this league in the same way that Ross County, and Clydebank made their ways up through the Scottish League system with investment. Let me reiterate. I do not support closed shops, in terms of no relegation and promotion. There has to be relegation and promotion from the national leagues. Plus there has to be compensation from the new league to the original national leagues to make up for the leagues losing their biggest club sides. If we want Scottish clubs to challenge the big sides in other countries we need to have an Atlantic League. I want all Scottish club sides and the Scottish national side to do well. It would be an improvement in quality of football and finances for the Scottish sides. Imagine games like Aberdeen V Malmo, Rosenborg v Glasgow Celtic, Glasgow Rangers V IFK, Hibs v Bronby, Hearts v Copenhagen.

My view is that it the 19th century, was the golden era of Scottish football, when Scotland went years without losing, and among other results, beat England 7-2. They slaughtered teams like Ireland, and Wales by massive score lines. With all respect to Ireland, Wales, and England they were the golden years of Scottish football. Scotland beat Ireland 10-2 in 1888. Scotland beat Wales 8-0 in 1898. Scotland beat Wales 9-0. in 1878. Renton won the World Club Championship. Scotland beat England 6-1 in 1881 in London. Scotland beat Ireland 9-1 in 1899. Imagine Scotland getting results like that now. It would be amazing, As the home international championship was the only international trophy. You could argue Scotland were World Champions when they won it. So you could say Scotland have been World Champions 6 times in the 19th century. Plus there is also an unofficial World championship which Scotland leads.

I support all Scottish clubs in Europe. It is important for Scotland to stay united. Scottish football is judged by how well our teams do in Europe. I want Scottish teams do well in Europe, the international team to do well, and for Scottish football to attract good players to Scotland.

I support putting B or colt teams in the lower leagues by a million miles. Too many dinosaurs want Scottish football to fail at producing great players. The fact is putting the big sides b teams in the lower leagues would help produce more Scottish international players. The more chances there are for young players, the better. How is it wrong to copy the most successful small nations in World football (Like Croatia, Belgium and the Netherlands), rather than contining with a system which wastes so many young Scottish players? And some idiot will say well why don't Celtic and Rangers play all their young players in the first teams. Well that is cloud cuckoo fantastic nonsense land. Would any of your teams play an entire first team of 19 year olds let alone teams representing Scotland in Europe? We need a colt or b teams in the lower divisions, TO PRODUCE MORE SCOTTISH INTERNATINAL PLAYERS FOR THE SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL TEAM. It is nothing to do with helping Celtic or Rangers, or some conspiracy by the SFA bnecause they want to see Celtic win Leagyue Two. Grow up! You critics of this idea will put forward totally cloud cuckoo land conspiracy theories and straw men to hide the weakness of your argument. The notion of playing B teams in the lower leagues is done in far far far more succesful nations at developing internatioonmal players. STOP HOLDING SCOTTISH FOOTBALL BACK. I support part time teams doing well. And I weant as many teams in the Scottish League as possible. The more the better. But for the life of me, I cannot understand why you wqould put Edibbirgh City finnishing two places higher in League Two, above that of producing more top Scottish players. WHY? ANSWER ME THAT WHY? And not with some whithered conspiracy theory that the SPFL is run by people who want Celtic or Rangers to win League Two. Grow up, and put Scottish football first.

I support the move by Glasgow Celtic and Glasgow Rangers to have colt teams in the lower leagues, It is about putting Scottish football first. Not petty jealousy against the big sides. If Celtic and Rangers give more young players a chance who go on to be international players for Scotland then that is a good movie. I put the national team above everything. What I do not understand is people who one minute go on about how we need less teams in the league, because they do not repsect the part time teams, then the next minute claim they are standing up for part time teams when they are against Colt teams playing in the lower divisions. I support having as many teams as possible in the league. If a team can support a strong B team in the league system they should be allowed to. I support b teams and the part time teams. The fact is this (playing colt or b teams in the lower tiers) happens in so many countries notticably Croatia (a small country than Scotland who reached the World Cup Final), France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, where they put developing players for the international teams above petty jealousy against the bigger sides. I do not support Celtic or Rangers. I support Scottish football having a system in place that develops top international players and clubs who can do well in Europe. Some people could not care less about that. All they care about is a dinosaur mentality of making Scottish football smaller and worse. If you want Scottish football to fail, then be a dinosaur. I would support all the big sides having colt teams in the league. I also support part time teams being strong. Putting B teams in the lower leagues does not contradict that,

Barry Ferguson has done a good job at Kelty. It is a tough league to win. I hope they and Brora are promoted to the Scottish League with the league increasing by two teams. -

Why has no one reformed Renton the first Scottish team to win a club world cup? Everyone knows the story.

What do you want for Scottish Football? OK this goes over some other points I have raised in previous threads, But I think this is a separate thread because I am asking what do you guys want for Scottish football in the totality? Basically do you want Scottish football to do well? Here is what I want; What I want is a league that punches above it’s weight in European club competitions, develops great players for the Scotland team, and attracts top players to play in Scotland, Scottish and foreign. That is where I stand. I am a proud Scottish football fan who wants Scottish football to do well, and be known throughout the world as a great football power, in developing players and coaches. I also want bigotry, division, and sectarianism to go away. I think the problem with Scottish football is that some people do not want any of that. All they care about is their own team, and everything else can fail underneath that. They would rather have a league which gets crowds of four figures at most, if their own team can win the league. I cannot go with that. I would rather my team do not win the league, if the other side is that the league is of a high standard and Scotland produces top clubs and players. You get people who put forward dumb ideas like; 1) Saying every team in Scotland should be part time. When all that would do is make sure no great international players ever come to, or stay in Scotland. Let me reiterate I love the part time level in Scottish football, but it will not attract the top players to Scotland. We would never get the Larssons, Laudrups or Gattussos coming to Scotland ever again. The part time sides can develop great players, but the great players won’t stay, and the Scottish clubs would never get further than the qualifying rounds for the Europa League or Champions League. Why would anyone want just that? I want good part time sides but also top elite clubs who can attract great players. 2) Saying Celtic and Rangers should join the English League. When all that would do is take away attendances, and tv rights, and sponsorship away from the Scottish game. And add to the superiority of the English game over the Scottish game. The Scottish League would quickly be as wealthy as the Welsh or Irish Leagues. With all respect to them. 3) Saying we should have more revenue sharing in Scottish football. When all that would do is mean the big clubs would have no motivation to build big stadiums. Because their money would go to other clubs. So their attendances would get lower and the league would be poorer. And people in Scotland would support other country’s clubs. Like you get in Wales, and Ireland. 4) Supporting foreign sides against Scottish sides. They decide to prove how Scottish they are by supporting any club that plays another Scottish side. So they would rather their own country’s sides lose and yet the next minute we are supposed to take their views seriously on how to reform Scottish football are sincerely thought out, when they already admit they want other Scottish teams to lose and be rubbish. 5) Wanting their rival clubs to be closed down, be that Hearts V Hibs, or Celtic V Rangers. They would rather the league loses big clubs, because they hate their rivals so much. And yet the next minute we are supposed to take their view on what reforms should happen in Scottish football seriously to develop Scottish football. 6) They talk about football integrity above the quality of football. This ties in with the previous point. They want their rival club closed down on some spurious basis that it would make people admire Scottish football for having a league with integrity. Which is utter nonsense. No one has a league table of leagues with the highest integrity. Football is about who has the best club sides or international sides. A real fan wants their club to have that or nation to have that. 7) They hate all the big clubs. I know of some fans who hate the bigger clubs, and justify it on some sore point from 20 years ago. So their Scottish identity is now founded on wanting Scottish clubs to lose in Europe and lose to foreign sides. They hate the idea of B or C sides of the big sides playing in the lower leagues, because they would rather Scotland does not produce top players than a part time team finish 7 or 8 places lower in the league, because of big sides having B or C sides in the league. 9) They support foreign sides full stop. They do not care about Scottish football, and support non -Scottish sides as their favorite sides. I think Scottish people should support Scottish sides. So we can support our football system, and economy. We should not hate other countries or clubs but we should support our Scottish sides. Let me point out we should not hate English people. Summary - So I want a league that keeps the big sides like Glasgow Rangers, Glasgow Celtic, Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs, Dundee United and Motherwell in the league. That grows to be major force in European soccer, that has cross border cups with the English on top of European and domestic soccer, but that also keeps it’s own league. And above all where we have a successful international side that does well in major tournaments. So that is my view. I know I have probably annoyed, and bored a lot of people with my views. Now I want people to put their views! What do you want for Scottish football. Specifically, do you want Scotland to do well? Do you want Scottish football clubs to do well in Europe? And if not why do you think your views on how to reform Scottish football should be taken seriously, when you are more interested in destroying other Scottish clubs and destroying the quality of player in the national side? Sorry if my post offends people.

Maybe Skye could have a team in the League based in Portree?

I am dead against declaring any of the domestic trophies null and void, when they are well into the season, and almost completed. I agree with the league places being awarded on the positions taking into account games in hand. But what about the domestic cups? The Scottish FA Cup, and the Scottish Challenge Cup., My view is share the trophies. The Scottish FA Cup only has two semi finals and a final to play. But should they be played with lockdown in full motion? Would it be controversial to declare, Aberdeen, Glasgow Celitc, Hearts, and Hibs joint winners? What about sharing the trophy between the remaining four teams? It would be controversial to declare four teams as joint winners, but look at the old rugby union 5 nations championship in one year in 1973 all five team shared the trophy. The Scottish Challenge Cup could be shared. between Inverness CT and Raith Rovers. They only have one game to play, after an interesting season in the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup. Glasgow Rangers under 21 side had the most interesting run beating teams from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It was a really interesting Challenge Cup season. But it might be difficult to play the final. The other alternative is to play the games behind closed doors.. Maybe I have an odd sense of humour , but I would find it amusing, as an historian of Scottish football, for a cup final to have an attendance of zero. But I see that the main problem is clubs travelling 100's of miles to play in front of no one, but a TV audience. I think sharing the cups would be a solution to the problem. It would mean Aberdeen's first Scottish FA Cup since 1990. It would mean Hearts and Hibs both win a trophy. So that should keep both rivals happy. It would mean Glasgow Celtic become the first team to win 4 Scottish FA Cups in a row. Sharing trophies has happened in Scottish football before on a major occasion. Dumbarton and Glasgow Rangers shared the first Scottish League title. In England the Charity Shield was shared every so often when the teams drew. They used to not have a penalty shootout, or replay, so that if the teams drew the cup would be shared. The last time it was shared was in 1991 when North London rivals Spurs and Arsenal shared the trophy. Liverpool were shared Charity shield winners 5 times. The precursor to the charity shield, the Sheriff of London Charity Shield was also shared by Queen's Park in 1899 with Aston Villa. Queen's Park, of Glasgow were invited to take part in the two team trophy that season. The year previous it was shared between Corinthian, and Sheffield United In rugby the old five nations was shared tonnes of times. The last time it was shared was in 1988 between the French and the Welsh. France and Scotland shared it in 1986. Being joint champions of the Home nations or 5 nations Championship at rugby union was very common in the olden days. In total England were joint champions of the rugby home nations or 5 nations, 10 times, France 8 times, Ireland 9 times, Scotland 9 times and Wales 12 times. So what does everyone think about the cups being shared between the participating teams left.?

I think it is time we allowed the big sides, or all Premier sides to put second teams in the lower divisions. Purpose The point in this is to help Scotland produce more talented football players, who can go on to help the Scottish international team reach and do well in major championships. The more talented players we have, the more chance of Scotland doing well in international football It is not to help Celtic or Rangers. It is to help the Scottish international team. Although the big sides would benefit from this move. Justification. At present many young Scottish players do not get early senior level experience because there are other players in their way. So players are not tested at competitive level football. Giving players early experience of competitive football is vital for their development Examples. In Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Portugal and Germany , the big sides play reserve teams in the lower divisions, so that young players can test themselves against grown men, and at competitive levels. The most striking example is Croatia. Croatia a nation that has reached the World Cup Final with a population smaller than Scotland. In Croatia, 3 teams Osijek, Zagreb, and Hajduk Split have second teams playing in the second division. So in Croatia. No one says it is just persecuting the smaller sides or ganging up with the big 3 sides to let the big sides to have second teams in the league system. People in Croatia realise that having the big sides having reserve teams in the lower divisions, is a way of guaranteeing young top players at the big sides will get competitive experience of football at a young age, They put the Croatian international side above the petty interests of each club. What I want for Scottish Football. I want Scotland to do well in major championships. I want Scottish clubs to do well in European club competitions. I want Scottish football to be seen as a major league in Europe and the World. So we need a system that produces more top players, great elite club sides who can do well in Europe. Have high attendances in the Scottish League. Attracting great players to play in Scotland. The Critics of the idea. That this is taking places in the league away from smaller sides. But I think any team big enough to be in the Scottish League, should be offered a place in the Scottish League. But A) You should not put the interests of a part time team finishing 8 places higher in the league system above the interests of the Scottish international team producing good players. That is a betrayal of Scottish nationality. B) What gets on my nerves is people who say we should have less team in the Scottish Football League. Then the next minute complain about B teams being put in the league on the basis that they might take places away from smaller sides like Brora Rangers of Kelty Hearts, that they have just said should not be in the Scottish League. Let me reiterate I think Brora and Kelty should be in the Scottish League, but I also think the big side’s reserve teams should be in the league, so every young Scottish player, at the big sides has the capability to show what they are capable of on a football field. People will say well why don’t ’the big clubs just play young players in their first team more often. My argument to that. Is that that is not living in the real world. If the elite sides just played inexperienced sides in their first team every season, they would do worse in the league, and would perform terribly in European competitions. What we need a system that enables all our club sides to do well but also produces more international players Those who don’t care about Scottish football’s reputation. - What gets on my nerves is people who don’t care how well Scottish clubs do in Europe. And don’t care how well the international side does in international football. And then have the cheek to pretend that they have sincere views on how to help Scottish football develop at club level and international level. They tend to put forward ridiculous ideas like suggesting that we should let Celtic and Rangers join the English League and that losing our biggest sides would help Scottish football. Or they say stupid things like well our teams do rubbish in Europe so who cares about making a system to that makes them do better Or they bring up sore points from years ago, that justify their hatred of the big, or elite clubs in Scottish football. And then these people have the cheek for us to take their views on how to help Scottish football seriously. I know one person suggested that every Scottish club should be part time. How the heck would Scottish football club perform in Europe, if we lost all our top players to other leagues and could not attract top foreign players to the league? It is utter nonsense. I know one person who said they would rather their own side win the league rather than Scotland producing top players. The Rangers Celtic Critics You will get some who will suggest all I want to do is have Celtic and Rangers winning the lower leagues. That is not what this is about. It is about motivating the top clubs to develop young Scottish players without damaging their chances in Europe. My Plan I would have every Scottish Premier side, be allowed a under 21-year old sides in the bottom tier of the SPFL. That would be a good level for Scottish players to develop. I would also allow the under 21-year old sides to have 3 over 21 year old players in their teams. This is to ensure there are players who can teach their younger players what to do in competitive football games. As you need some older experienced players to pass on tricks of the trade and composure to the less experienced players. You will get some who will say what about the loan system. But the loan system would not give an entire Premier side’s youth team in their side. You would be lucky for a lower division team to give more than 3 young players a chance. How would you like it if your fave side had to play a reserve side? I remember one critic of my idea said well how would Aberdeen fans like it if they had to play the Real Madrid B side? I would be happy to have it that Colt or B sides do not play in the Scottish domestic cups, if this happened. My answer to that would be; 1) I am not Spanish. I am not interested in helping Spanish sides develop. I am interested in helping Scottish players at the big clubs develop. Why would your first argument be to ask how I would be interested in helping foreign teams to do better. Do you see the Scottish sides, in the same esteem as foreign sides. 2) The only way Aberdeen could play Real Madrid B side in competitive football, would be if there was a European Super League, and Aberdeen found themselves in a division with Real Madrid’s second team, it would not bother me. If it was about playing Nice one week, Livorno the next, and then Real Madrid’s second side. I would take that, if that was our level. Other advantages of this idea; Imagine a Celtic B v Rangers B game filling a large stadium. Imagine the lower Scottish leagues listing 20,000 or 30,000 fans turning up for a League One or League Two decider. It would make Scottish football look better. The big clubs would get better players because their players had developed more at a young age. So could perform better in European competitions. Smaller club’s fans would be able to see the young potential Scottish stars at their stadiums, There would be more attention given to the lower leagues, as the big club’s fans would want to know how their teams were getting on. It could lead to great players from other countries coming to Scotland due to Scotland having a better youth development system. Every club in Scotland has the potential to reach the Premier, and then have a B team in the lower leagues. Every club in Scotland could be in the Premier, with the right backing behind them. So this could be something all Scottish clubs could look forward to doing. 40 years ago Ross County were a small club in the Highland League. Now they are an established side in the Premier. That could happen to almost any club in Scotland, with the current pyramid system. Look at other examples in the past like Clydebank, and Dumbarton. Hope you have enjoyed reading my views, Thanks,

Celtic Sides in Football League Trophy How about this for Scottish fans? How about we enter all the Scottish Premier sides who have not qualified for Europe. Plus a selection of Welsh Premier sides into the lower divisions Football League Trophy. I do not support merging the British leagues as that would destroy our identity as a nation. I do not support the big Scottish sides joining the English League as that would destroy the quality of the Scottish League. But I do support the notion of cross border cups, on top of domestic and European football. Now we already have Irish, Welsh, and English sides playing in the Scottish Challenge Cup. Plus English sides used to play in the Welsh Cup for years So how about the favour is returned and we play all Scottish Premier sides who have not qualified for Europe, plus a selection of Welsh Premier sides in the Football League Trophy? The Football League Trophy is played between English League One and English League Two sides plus the youth teams of English Premier League sides. Up to the final the cup is regionalised. So Scottish teams could play in the Northern section, while Welsh sides could play in the Southern section. Imagine a Scottish side getting to play a final at Wembley Stadium! Imagine the cross border banter between Scotland, Wales, and England! Imagine the great trips to stadiums you have never been to before, with a Scottish club! Imagine the fun of playing big sides like Sunderland, Blackpool, and Coventry City! Imagine beating a major English team that had been relegated to the lower divisions! Imagine the fun of winning an English trophy! My replies to the Negatives Travel – Well teams in Australia, the USA, and Russia, make trips of 1000’s of miles for a league game. So a trip from Dingwall to Coventry once a season is not too much especially when Scottish clubs have visited Georgia, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Israel in the last few years. Not that big a trophy – I accept this is not going to transform Scottish football. But it would add a bit of spice to the season. The chance to beat English sides of a similar level, without it becoming monotonous. Travelling to England 20 times a season, would be too much, but a handful of times a year would be fun. I am not saying this would be comparable to playing Real Madrid in the Champions League. But it is would still be a fun thing each season. What do the Welsh sides offer? I accept they would not bring big crowds or TV revenue, but this would be about helping the Welsh League develop. It would not damage Scottish or English soccer to do this, but would enormously help Welsh soccer for their teams to play high standard English sides in competitive games. It would be a transformational benefit for Welsh football.

Loving Vincent Here is a good animated film I saw, for grown ups. An animated movie, in style of Van Gogh paintings. Made in Poland and Britian. Looked at how Van Gogh died of the people who hurt him of his love for others. Of the villagers of the town he died in. Starred Douglas Booth, Saiorse Ronan, Eliner Tomlinson, Chris O’Dowd, Aidan Turner, John Sessions, and other actors, and actresses. Very good film that flew by in time. It looked at Van Gogh's insanity too. It was superb animation. I would advise people to see it.

I hope they play the final of this trophy, even if it is behind closed doors. It would be a waste to go an entire season playing the trophy,travelling all over the British and Irish Isles, and then not bother to hold the final. They could hold it early next season, if they have to. Although Inverness might be promoted, by then due to league reconstruction, and could be the first premier team to win the trophy.