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Scottish Premier League

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Scottish Premier League
File:Clydesdale premier league.PNG
Founded1998
CountryScotland
ConfederationUEFA
Number of clubs12
Level on pyramid1
Relegation toS.F.L. First Division
Domestic cup(s)Scottish Cup, League Cup
International cup(s)Champions League, Europa League
Current championsRangers
(2008–09)
Most championshipsCeltic (6)
Websitehttp://www.scotprem.com/

The Scottish Premier League (SPL, currently known as the Clydesdale Bank Premier League for sponsorship reasons) is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top level of the Scottish football league system — above the Scottish Football League.

Per capita, more people in Scotland watch their domestic top level league than any other nation in Europe.[2] The Scottish Premier League is currently ranked tenth in the UEFA rankings of European leagues, which are based on the performances of member clubs in European competitions.[3] A total of 18 clubs have competed in the SPL since its inauguration in 1998–99, but only two have won the title: Celtic (six) and Rangers (five).

Prior to 1998–99

Previously, the Scottish Football League had a two divisional structure (Divisions One and Two) between which clubs were promoted and relegated at the end of each season. However, by the mid 1970s, this organisation was perceived to be stagnant, and it was decided to split into a three divisional structure: Premier Division (formerly Division One), First Division (formerly Division Two) and a newly added Second Division. This system came into force for the 1975–76 season.

This setup continued until the 1994–95 season, when a four divisional structure was introduced, along with a new Third Division, with all divisions comprising ten clubs.

Formation of the SPL

On September 8, 1997, the football clubs in the Premier Division decided to split from the Scottish Football League and form the Scottish Premier League, following an earlier example in England, which came into force during the 1992–93 season. This decision was fuelled by a desire by the top clubs in Scotland to retain more of the revenue generated by the game. Originally, league sponsorship money was divided proportionally between clubs in all four divisions; after the SPL was formed, this was no longer the case.

Originally the SPL contained 10 clubs, but it subsequently enlarged to 12 for the 2000–01 season onwards. The increase from 10 clubs to 12 was part of the deal offered to obtain approval from SFL member clubs. Since then, the SPL has operated a "split league format" to prevent the need for a 44-game schedule, which was once used in the Scottish Premier Division, but is now considered to be too high a number of games in a league season. Under this system, after 33 games (i.e., when every club has played every other club three times, either twice away and once at home, or vice-versa), the division is split into two halves, and clubs play a further five matches, against the teams in their half of the division, taking their total to 38 games.

This can (and often does) result in the team placed seventh having a higher points total than the team placed sixth, because their final five games are considerably easier. In the 2005–06 season, the seventh placed club, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, gained more points than the fourth placed club Hibernian.

Promotion and relegation

Providing they meet certain criteria regarding their stadium, the top club from the Scottish First Division is promoted to the SPL, with the 12th-placed SPL club relegated.

In 2003, the league's promotion criteria caused controversy as the chairmen of the member clubs voted against Falkirk's proposed ground share with Airdrie United and stopped the club from having the 10,000 fan stadium capacity it required, thus saving Motherwell from relegation.[4]

The same situation nearly materialised in 2004, but after several votes and discussion, including threats of court cases from Partick Thistle, the team then threatened with prospect of relegation, Inverness Caledonian Thistle were finally allowed promotion provided that they groundshared with north rivals Aberdeen at Pittodrie,[5] a ground over 100 miles (160 km) away. In 2005, the stadium size criterion for entry to the SPL was reduced to 6,000,[6] thereby allowing Inverness Caledonian Thistle to return to their home stadium during the 2005–06 season.[6]

Sponsorship

The Bank of Scotland, who had sponsored the league since March 1999 (The League was unsponsored for most of the inaugural season), did not renew their sponsorship at the end of the 2006–07 season. Talks began with Clydesdale Bank,[7] and a deal was confirmed shortly afterwards. A four-year deal for £8m came into effect from July 2007.[8]

Competition format

Competition

Hearts take on Hibernian in an Edinburgh Derby played at Tynecastle in December 2006.

There are currently twelve clubs in the Scottish Premier League. Teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. Teams are ranked by total points, then goal difference, and then goals scored. At the end of each season, the club with the most points is crowned champion. If points are equal, the goal difference and then goals scored determine the winner.

During the course of a season, which runs from August until May, each club plays the others at least three times, either once at home and twice away or vice-versa. After this first phase of matches, by which time all clubs will have played 33 games, the league splits into a 'top six' and a 'bottom six'. Each club then plays a further five matches against the other five teams in their own section. Points achieved during the first phase of 33 matches are carried forward to the second phase, but the teams will compete only within their own sections during the second phase. After the first phase has been completed, clubs cannot move outwith their own section in the league, even if they achieve more or fewer points than a higher or lower ranked team, respectively.

At the beginning of each season, the Scottish Premier League 'predicts' the likely positions of each club in order to produce a fixture schedule that will ensure the best possible chance of all clubs playing each other twice at home and twice away. These are known as the league seedings and are based on clubs' performance in previous years.[9] However, should a club predicted to finish in the top six finish in the bottom six, it faces the possibility of playing more games away from home than at home or vice-versa.[9] This, in turn, has a knock-on effect on the top-six with an imbalance of fixtures resulting; for example, one club may play one team three times at home and once away.[9]

The bottom placed SPL club at the end of the season is relegated, and swaps places with the winner of the Scottish First Division, provided that the winner satisfies the league's entry criteria.

European qualification

Rangers playing FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the 2007–08 Champions League.

The Scottish Premier League is currently thirteenth in UEFA's co-efficient ranking, meaning that two SPL clubs currently qualify for the UEFA Champions League (the SPL champions, who progress directly to the group stage, and the runner-up, who enter the third qualifying round) as well as two qualifying for the UEFA Europa League (the third and fourth placed clubs). The winners of the Scottish Cup also qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

If the Scottish Cup winners have qualified for the UEFA Champions League, the final UEFA Europa League place is given to the runner-up. Clubs also had the opportunity to apply for qualification to the UEFA Intertoto Cup before it was folded into the Europa League; qualification for that event was given to the highest placed applicant, although only two clubs chose to play in the tournament since the SPL's inception in 1998–99 (Dundee in 2001 and Hibernian in 2004, 2006 and 2008). Clubs may also qualify for Europe via the UEFA Fair Play ranking.

Since the SPL's inception, Scotland's UEFA co-efficient has improved significantly, having been ranked 26th in 1998–99.[10] In 2003 Celtic became the first Scottish club since 1987 to reach a European final, eventually losing 3–2 to FC Porto after extra-time in the UEFA Cup final.[11] In 2003–04, two Scottish clubs (Celtic and Rangers) qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time. In 2005–06, Rangers became the first Scottish club to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League,[12] a feat which was repeated by Celtic the following two seasons.[13][14] In the 2007–08 season, three Scottish clubs were competing in Europe after Christmas for the first time since 1970,[15] while in the same season Rangers reached their first European final since their UEFA Cup Winners' Cup triumph of 1972, which they lost 2–0 to Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg in the UEFA Cup Final.[16] During the season Scotland's European representatives collected the most co-efficient points since the 1982/83 season.[10]

Criticisms

League format

There has been criticism regarding the current format of the Scottish Premier League from several quarters, mostly focused on the controversial 'split' format. In April 2007, current Dundee United manager Craig Levein labelled the format as "rubbish" and a "nonsense", claiming that it resulted in lost revenue for clubs and put more pressure on managers.[17] While Rangers manager Walter Smith branded the format as "unfair" and called for an 18-team league to be considered.[18] The SPL has defended the split format, however, and dismissed the possibility of expanding the league due to a lack of strong enough clubs within the Scottish Football League.[9]

In March 2008 Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies was the latest to call for a league revamp, claiming that the potential for four matches per season against the same opponent is too many.[19]

However, all the alternative options are themselves difficult to conceive. A 14-team league, playing all opponents thrice, would fit into the schedule (increase from 38 games to 39) - but could be unfair as, for example, Hibernian and Hearts would play twice at one of their grounds, and once at the other.

A 16-team league, playing all opponents twice, would result in a reduction from 38 to 30 matches. It would also replace many high-profile derbies and clashes between bigger clubs, with smaller teams. As a result, clubs could experience financial losses which might make a 16-team format unviable.

Leagues of 18 teams (34 matches) or 20 teams (38 matches, as currently) would not face the massive fall in fixture numbers of the 16 team league. However, the increase in matches versus smaller clubs and the increase in mid-table games, might still impact attendances and finance.

Old Firm dominance

Both sets of fans at an Old Firm match at Celtic Park.

One of the main criticisms of the SPL is the dominance of the two Old Firm clubs, Celtic and Rangers. No team outside the Old Firm has won the SPL since it was formed in 1998 and there has only been one season (2005–06) where both clubs failed to occupy first and second positions, with Hearts finishing second behind Celtic. Whilst this is similar to other European leagues which also have the same clubs dominate the top positions, this problem predates the SPL itself, almost since the beginning of Scottish league football (with a few exceptional periods). Both clubs' average home attendances are significantly higher than the other 10 clubs, resulting in the Old Firm having far greater revenues and therefore more money to spend on players. Both clubs also receive significant revenue from regular participation in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

However, despite having more resources than other Scottish clubs, the Old Firm still experience difficulty in competing with big clubs from other leagues in terms of transfer fees and player wages due to the SPL's relatively low television revenue. A recurring theme in recent years has been the prospect of the two clubs leaving the Scottish football set-up to join either the English set-up, or an Atlantic League with clubs from countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal.[20] While some feel that the departure of the Old Firm from the Scottish football setup would be detrimental to Scottish football as a whole,[21][22] others, such as Craig Levein, believe it would benefit Scottish football due to increased competition among the remaining clubs for the SPL title[23]. World football's governing body FIFA, however, has ruled out the prospect of any move to the English set-up[24].

Winter break

A further issue of controversy was the SPL's decision to scrap the 'winter break' after the 2000–01 season, thereby forcing clubs to play throughout January and often resulting in postponement of matches and significant damage to clubs' pitches due to adverse weather conditions, as well as player fatigue. Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill,[25] former Dundee manager Jim Duffy[25] and current Rangers manager Walter Smith are among those who have called for the winter break to be reinstated.[26] Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish accused the SPL of taking Scottish football "back to the Dark Ages" after its decision to scrap the mid-season hiatus. [25]

However, the SPL has consistently pointed out that a Winter Break can never alleviate weather issues. Games are called off in Scotland any time from November to April - a short December break would not assist this, in fact it would result in more games (that would have been played during the break) being scheduled for later in the season. These would also be on midweeks, potentially reducing crowds. The SPL has stated that giving players rest and recuperation time may be reason for a break.

Fans at SPL Games

Although generally well behaved, there is some evidence of inappropriate behaviour by fans in Scotland during SPL games. For example, racist chants directed towards James McCarthy formerly of Hamilton Academical and Aiden McGeady of Celtic for their choice of international career. [27],[28][29][30] The Herald journalist Doug Gillon suggested "the sectarian intolerance which divides Scottish society [...] is rooted in anti-Irish racism."[31]

Players

Scottish Premier League clubs have almost complete freedom to sign whatever number and category of players they wish. There is no team or individual salary cap, no squad size limit, no age restrictions other than those applied by general employment law, no restrictions on the overall number of foreign players, and few restrictions on individual foreign players — all players with EU nationality, including those able to claim an EU passport through a parent or grandparent, are eligible to play, and top players from outside the EU are able to obtain UK work permits.

The only restriction on selection is the "Under-21 rule". This rule states that each club must include three players under the age of 21 in their matchday squad. Opinions on this rule appear to be divided among SPL managers. Walter Smith, Gus MacPherson and Jim Jefferies have expressed their disapproval of the policy.[32] John Collins, meanwhile, expressed approval of the ruling, claiming that it is healthy for Scottish football and encouraged the development of young players.[32]

Recent decline in television revenue has resulted in relatively little spending among SPL clubs in recent seasons, with major transfer spending mostly limited to the Old Firm clubs. As a result, many clubs are now more reliant on developing their own young players and selling them on for profit. This has also resulted in a large proportion of SPL clubs' squads being made up of Scottish players (73% in 2004–05[33]).

SPL transfer records

  • Highest transfer fee received:
Craig Gordon, from Heart of Midlothian to Sunderland, £9m, 8 August 2007[35]
Alan Hutton, from Rangers to Tottenham Hotspur, £9m, 30 January 2008[36]
  • Highest transfer fee between two SPL clubs: Scott Brown, from Hibernian to Celtic, £4.4m, 1 June 2007[37]

Finances

Financial crisis

Since the SPL began, four of its member clubs have entered administration. Serious financial difficulties first arose in 2002 when broadcaster Sky Sports withdrew their interest in the League’s television rights when the SPL rejected their offer of £45m, hoping that a better deal would arise from another broadcaster.[38] A better deal failed to arise, however, adding to the clubs’ already delicate financial position.[38] By season 2001/02, combined debt among SPL clubs was estimated to be around £132m, having been barely into double figures two years previously.[38] Motherwell became the first SPL club to enter administration in April 2002, with debts of £11m and a wage bill totaling 97% of their annual turnover.[38] Dundee were next to follow, when in November 2003 they sacked 25 staff after debts of £20m.[38] The severity of the SPL's financial problems were revealed in September 2003 when combined losses for SPL clubs during 2001/02 was estimated to have been £60m.[39]

Livingston became the third SPL club to enter administration in February 2004, with debts of £3.5m.[40] Dunfermline Athletic's financial position also looked bleak, with several players asked to take wage-cuts,[41] while Rangers Chairman David Murray announced in September 2004 a plan to raise £57m via a rights issue in an attempt to wipe-out a large proportion of the club's debts.[42] A report by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2003 described five SPL clubs - Dundee, Dunfermline Athletic, Hearts, Hibernian and Livingston - as "technically insolvent".

Financial recovery

After widespread cost-cutting measures, SPL clubs' finances began to show signs of improvement. Both Motherwell and Dundee came out of administration in April[43] and August 2004,[44] respectively, while Livingston ended their fifteen month spell in administration in May 2005.[45] PricewaterhouseCoopers' 2006 report on SPL finances revealed operating profits of £2.8m among SPL clubs - the first collective operating profit made by Scotland's top-flight clubs in over a decade.[46] Seven of the SPL's 12 clubs had a wage turnover ratio of less than 60%.[46]

PricewaterhouseCoopers' 2007 report revealed a collective loss of £9m for 2005–06, however six clubs - Falkirk, Hibernian, Inverness CT, Kilmarnock, Motherwell and Rangers - all made a profit.[47] The report highlighted the increasingly precarious financial position of Hearts, describing their current finances as "unsustainable" with debt rising by £7m to £28m and a wage bill which represents 97% of their turnover.[47] The figures for 2006–07 showed a collective profit of £3m, with eight clubs making a profit.[48]

Despite recent improvements in the financial position of SPL clubs, Gretna became the fourth SPL club to enter administration in March 2008 after their main benefactor Brooks Mileson withdrew his financial support after ill-health.[49]

Financial crises 2007-09

With the financial crises and the UK economic recession, SPL clubs are expected to be badly affected.[50] A reduction in revenue from ticket sales for SPL games and club merchandise will impact negatively on club expenditure. Players may be expected to take wage cuts and team squads will be reduced.[51] Indeed some clubs may reduced the number of non-playing staff.[52],[53] In March 2009, it was reported that Rangers in particular are having difficulties with their Bank who wished to reduce the size of the club's debt.[54]

Media coverage

Television

File:334447412 61f2f39a2f b.jpg
A cameraman pitchside at Tynecastle Stadium.

Between season 1998–99 and season 2001–02, exclusive television rights for live Scottish Premier League matches were held by Sky Sports, with a highlights package held by STV's Scotsport. After Sky Sports withdrew their interest in the SPL when their offer for £45m to continue ownership of the live TV rights were declined by the SPL on the grounds of not being substantial enough, discussions began in 2002 for a new pay-per-view satellite television channel, dubbed "SPL TV".[55] Discussions broke down in April 2002, however, when the Old Firm clubs, Rangers and Celtic, utilised the 11-1 voting system to veto the proposals.[56] This caused discontent among the remaining 10 SPL clubs who subsequently announced their intention to resign from the league.[57]

Despite a two-year television deal being agreed with BBC Scotland in July 2002 (for a significant amount less than the money previously offered by Sky Sports),[58] the 10 non-Old Firm clubs confirmed their resignation from the SPL in August 2002, citing discontent with the league's 11-1 voting procedure which effectively gave the Old Firm clubs a veto over attempts to change SPL rules.[59] The ten clubs withdrew their resignations in January 2003 after an agreement was reached to change the voting procedures and to change the distribution of TV revenue.[60]

With BBC Scotland's television contract due to expire after the 2003–04 season, the SPL agreed a new television deal with Irish broadcaster Setanta Sports in February 2004 in a four-year deal worth £54m.[61] In June 2008, it was announced that a further four-year deal would commence for the 2010/11 season, with the deal worth £125m.[62]

BBC Scotland's Sportscene currently own the rights to broadcast highlights of each game first on terrestrial TV. The BBC also hold the rights to show on-line internet highlights to UK users for one week after each game.

The BBC Alba, launched in September 2008, show one full SPL game every Saturday for two seasons. The games are broadcast three hours after the game has ended. The game shown is a selected one not covered by either live Setanta Sports or on an on-demand basis by BT Vision.[63]

In Australia the Scottish Premier League is broadcast by Setanta Sports. In the USA the SPL is currently available on Setanta Sports North America.

From the 23rd of June Setanta lost the rights to show live SPL games in the United Kingdom as they were unable to pay the £3 Million they owed to the SPL. Setanta have ceased broadcasting and are in administration.

The SPL replaced Setanta with ESPN and BSkyB in a deal thought to be around £13 million per season to the clubs. This is comparative to the deal which Setanta had in place although around half of the amount that Setanta would have been paying from 2010.

Radio

Radio broadcasting rights are currently held by BBC Radio Scotland, who have held the rights since the SPL's inception in 1998.[64] BBC Radio Scotland also provide internet webcasts to all Scottish Premier League matches, having became the first broadcaster to introduce such a service in June 2000.[65] However Old Firm games are broadcast when available on BBC Radio 5 Live and also on 102.5 Clyde 1.

SPL clubs

Main article: List of Scottish Premier League clubs

SPL members for 2009–10

Locations of the current SPL teams in Scotland
●
Aberdeen
●
Celtic
●
Dundee United
●
Falkirk
●
Hamilton
●
Hearts
●
Hibernian
●
Kilmarnock
●
Motherwell
●
Rangers
●
St. Johnstone
●
St. Mirren

The following twelve clubs compete in the Scottish Premier League during the 2009–10 season:

Club
 Position
in 2008–09 		First season in
top division 		First season of
current spell in
top division 		Last title
Aberdeena,b 4th 1905–06 1905–06 1984–85
Celtica,b 2nd 1890–91 1890–91 2007–08
Dundee Uniteda,b 5th 1925–26 1996–97 1982–83
Falkirk 10th 1905–06 2005–06 —
Hamilton Academical 9th 1906–07 2008–09 —
Heart of Midlothiana,b 3rd 1890–91 1983–84 1959–60
Hibernian 6th 1895–96 1999–2000 1951–52
Kilmarnocka,b 8th 1899–1900 1992–93 1964–65
Motherwella,b 7th 1903–04 1985–86 1931–32
Rangersa,b 1st (Champions) 1890–91 1890–91 2008–09
St. Johnstonea 1st (First Division) 1924–25 2009–10 —
St. Mirren 11th 1890–91 2006–07 —
a = Founding member of the Scottish Premier League
b = Played in every Scottish Premier League season

Former SPL members

These are previous members of the SPL in reverse order of them losing membership.

Club
 Position
in 2008–09 		First season
in top division 		Last season in
top division 		Last title
Inverness CT 12th, SPL 2004–05 2008–09 —
Gretna 4th, EoSFL 2007–08 2007–08 —
Dunfermline Athletica, 3rd, First Division 1926–27 2006–07 —
Livingston 7th, First Division 2001–02 2005–06 —
Dundeea, 4th, First Division 1893–94 2004–05 1961–62
Partick Thistle 2nd, First Division 1897–98 2003–04 —

St. Mirren are the only club to have been promoted into the SPL twice. Dunfermline Athletic are the only club to have been relegated from the SPL twice.

Stadia

Celtic Park, the SPL's biggest stadium.
Ibrox Stadium, the SPL's second biggest stadium
Stadium Capacity Club Notes
Celtic Park 60,832 Celtic Biggest club stadium in Scotland.
Ibrox Stadium 51,444 Rangers One of three UEFA Elite stadia in Scotland and one of 2 UEFA 5 star stadiums
Pittodrie Stadium 22,199 Aberdeen The first stadium in the UK to be all covered and all seated. It also was the first stadium in the world to have dugouts
Rugby Park 18,128 Kilmarnock
Easter Road 17,500 Hibernian Capacity planned to increase to 20,800 by 2010. First British Stadium to have floodlights.
Tynecastle Stadium 17,420 Heart of Midlothian Hearts have played some European games at Murrayfield Stadium. Capacity planned to increase to 23,000 by 2010/11
Tannadice Park 14,209 Dundee United
Fir Park 13,742 Motherwell
McDiarmid Park 10,673 St. Johnstone First Purpose Built All Seater Stadium in the UK
Falkirk Stadium 9,706 Falkirk The temporary (east)stand opposite the main stand increased capacity.
New St. Mirren Park 8,016 St. Mirren St. Mirren left previous stadium Love Street on 3 January, 2009.
New Douglas Park 6,000 Hamilton Academical Half-finished. Temporary stands allow SPL capacity.

All-time SPL table

See also: List of Scottish football champions

The All-Time SPL Table is a cumulative record of all SPL matches played since the inception of the SPL, in 1998. The table is accurate from the 1998–99 season to the end of the 2008–09 season, inclusive.

P
Club
Ssn
Pld
W
D
L
F
A
GD
Pts
PPG
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
1 Celtic 11 414 304 61 49 968 336 +632 973 2.34 6 5
2 Rangers 11 414 282 76 56 876 333 +543 922 2.22 5 5 1
3 Hearts 11 414 172 103 138 586 487 +99 619 1.49 1 4 1
4 Aberdeen 11 414 147 98 169 499 587 -88 539 1.30 1 4
5 Kilmarnock 11 414 146 100 168 507 591 -84 538 1.29 3
6 Hibernian 10 378 137 97 144 526 526 0 508 1.34 2 1
7 Motherwell 11 414 133 94 187 500 630 −130 493 1.19 1 1
8 Dundee United 11 414 112 115 187 451 636 −185 451 1.08
9 Dunfermline 8 302 78 79 145 295 483 −188 313 1.04 1
10 Dundee 7 262 80 61 121 308 412 −104 301 1.14
11 Inverness CT 5 190 60 48 82 222 253 −31 228 1.20
12 Livingston 5 190 48 46 97 205 306 −101 190 1.0 1
13 Falkirk 4 152 45 35 72 166 220 −54 170 1.12
14 St. Johnstone 4 148 39 43 66 139 200 −61 160 1.08 1
15 St. Mirren 4 152 35 39 78 122 229 −107 144 0.95
16 Partick Thistle 2 76 14 19 43 76 125 −49 61 0.80
17 Hamilton Academical 1 38 12 5 21 30 53 −23 41 1.08
18 Gretna 1 38 5 8 25 32 83 −51 131 0.34

1 Gretna were deducted 10 points for going into administration in the 2007–08 season.
P = Position; Ssn = Number of seasons; Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points; Ppg = Points per game

Source: SPL official website

Top scorers

Henrik Larsson, the SPL's top all-time goalscorer.

Thirteen players have scored 50 or more goals SPL goals. Former Celtic player Henrik Larsson has scored the most goals in the SPL since the inaugural 1998–99 season, with 158 goals.[66] Rangers striker Kris Boyd has the most goals of any currently active Premier League player.[67]

As of 22 February 2009
Rank Player Club(s)[68] Goals
1 Sweden Henrik Larsson Celtic (1998–2004) 158
2 Scotland Kris Boyd[69] Kilmarnock (2000–2006)
Rangers (2006–present)		 147
3 Wales John Hartson Celtic (2001–2006) 88
4 Australia Scott McDonald[69] Motherwell (2004–2007)
Celtic (2007–present)		 85
5 Scotland Derek Riordan[69] Hibernian (2001–2006)
Celtic (2006–2008)
Hibernian (2008–present)		 73
6 Spain Nacho Novo[69] Dundee (2002–2004)
Rangers (2004–present)		 66
7 Scotland Stephen Crawford Hibernian (1998–2000)
Dunfermline Athletic (1999–2004)
Dundee United (2005)
Aberdeen (2005–2006)
Dunfermline Athletic (2006–2008)		 65
Scotland Billy Dodds Aberdeen (1994–1998)
Dundee United (1998–1999)
Rangers (1999–2003)
Dundee United (2003–2006)
England Chris Sutton Celtic (2000–2006)
10 England Steve Lovell[69] Dundee (2002–2005)
Aberdeen (2005–2008)
Falkirk (2008–present)		 55
Bulgaria Stilian Petrov Celtic (1999–2006)
12 Scotland Darren Mackie Aberdeen (1998–present) 52
Scotland Colin Nish Kilmarnock (2004–2008)
Hibernian (2008-present)


SPL managers

Main article: list of Scottish Football League managers

The following is a list of the current managers in the SPL. The list is arranged chronologically by appointment.

Manager Club Appointed
Scotland Jim Jefferies Kilmarnock 28 February 2002
Scotland Gus MacPherson* St. Mirren 18 December 2003
Scotland Billy Reid* Hamilton Academical 2 June 2005
Scotland Craig Levein Dundee United 30 October 2006
Scotland Derek McInnes* St. Johnstone 1 January 2007
Scotland Walter Smith Rangers 10 January 2007
HungaryRomania Csaba László Heart of Midlothian 11 July 2008
Scotland John Hughes Hibernian 8 June 2009
Scotland Mark McGhee Aberdeen 12 June 2009
England Tony Mowbray Celtic 16 June 2009
Scotland Eddie May Falkirk 23 June 2009
Republic of Ireland Jim Gannon Motherwell 29 June 2009

Championships

Season Winner Runner-up Relegated Top Scorer Players' Player of the Year Writers' Player of the Year
2008–09 Rangers Celtic Inverness CT Kris Boyd 27 ( Rangers) Scott Brown (Celtic) Gary Caldwell (Celtic)
2007–08 Celtic Rangers Gretna Scott McDonald 25 (Celtic) Aiden McGeady (Celtic) Carlos Cuellar (Rangers)
2006–07 Celtic Rangers Dunfermline Athletic Kris Boyd 20 (Rangers) Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic) Shunsuke Nakamura (Celtic)
2005–06 Celtic Heart of Midlothian Livingston Kris Boyd 32 (15 - Kilmarnock, 17 - Rangers) Shaun Maloney (Celtic) Craig Gordon (Hearts)
2004–05 Rangers Celtic Dundee John Hartson 25 (Celtic) John Hartson (Celtic) /
Fernando Ricksen (Rangers)		 John Hartson (Celtic)
2003–04 Celtic Rangers Partick Thistle Henrik Larsson 30 (Celtic) Chris Sutton (Celtic) Jackie McNamara (Celtic)
2002–03 Rangers Celtic No Relegation Henrik Larsson 28 (Celtic) Barry Ferguson (Rangers) Barry Ferguson (Rangers)
2001–02 Celtic Rangers St. Johnstone Henrik Larsson 29 (Celtic) Lorenzo Amoruso (Rangers) Paul Lambert (Celtic)
2000–01 Celtic Rangers St. Mirren Henrik Larsson 35 (Celtic) Henrik Larsson (Celtic) Henrik Larsson (Celtic)
1999–00 Rangers Celtic No Relegation Mark Viduka 25 (Celtic) Mark Viduka (Celtic) Barry Ferguson (Rangers)
1998–99 Rangers Celtic Dunfermline Athletic Henrik Larsson 29 (Celtic) Henrik Larsson (Celtic) Henrik Larsson (Celtic)

SPL records

As of 8 December 2007
Most goals in a season
Celtic, 105 goals, 2003–04[70]
Fewest goals in a season
St. Johnstone, 24 goals, 2001–02[70]
Most points in one season
Celtic, 103 points, 2001–02[70]
Fewest points in a season
Gretna, 13 points, 2007–08[70]
Fewest goals conceded in one season
Celtic, 18 goals, 2001–02[70]
Most goals conceded in a season
Aberdeen, 83 goals, 1999–00 & Gretna, 83 goals, 2007–08[70]
Biggest goal difference in a season
Celtic, 80, 2003–04[70]
Biggest home win
Celtic 7-0 Aberdeen (1999–00 and 2002–03); Hibernian 7-0 Livingston (2005–06); Celtic 7-0 St Mirren(2008–09); [70]
Biggest away win
St. Johnstone 0-7 Rangers (1998–99); Dunfermline Athletic 1-8 Celtic (2005–06)[70]
Highest scoring match
Motherwell 5-6 Aberdeen (1999–2000)[70]
Most away wins in a season
Celtic, 13, 2000–01[70]
Fewest away wins in a season
Dunfermline, 0, 1998–99[70]
Most away defeats in a season
Livingston, 16, 2005–06[70]
Fewest home defeats in a season
Celtic, 0, 2001–02[70],
Top goalscorer in a single season
Henrik Larsson, 35 goals, 2000–01 Celtic[70]
Player with most hat-tricks
Steven Mclaren, 12, 1998–2004[70]
Top goalscorer in any one game
Kenny Miller, 5, 4 November 2000, Rangers v St. Mirren; Kris Boyd, 5, 25 September 2004, Kilmarnock v Dundee United[70]
Oldest player
Andy Millen, for St. Mirren vs Hearts, 42 years 279 days, 15 March 2008[70]
Youngest player
Scott Robinson, for Hearts vs Inverness CT, 16 years 1 months and 14 days, 26 April 2008[71]
Youngest goalscorer
David Goodwillie, for Dundee United vs Hibernian, 16 years 11 months and 4 days, 4 March 2006[70]
Most consecutive clean-sheets
Robert Douglas, Celtic, 7 games, 16 December 2000 - 21 February 2001[70]
Most SPL appearances
Steven Pressley, 306 (correct to the end of the 2008–09 season)[70]
Highest attendance
60,440, Celtic v St. Mirren, 7 April 2001[72]
Lowest attendance
431, Gretna v Inverness CT, 5 April 2008[72]
Highest average attendance
59,369, Celtic, 2000–01[72]
Lowest average attendance
2,283, Gretna, 2007–08[72]

Awards

Programme of the Year

The following clubs have won Programme of the Year:[73]

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums/f38/sky-sports-espn-lands-spl-rights-46202/
  2. ^ "Clydesdale is SPL's new sponsor". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2007-06-01.
  3. ^ "UEFA Country Ranking 2008". UEFA. Retrieved 2007-07-04.
  4. ^ Jonathan Coates (2003-05-24). "Falkirk lose out as SPL closes ranks and denies them place". The Scotsman. Retrieved 2008-03-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ "Inverness win SPL vote". BBC Sport. 2004-06-22. Retrieved 2008-03-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ a b "Inverness are homeward bound". BBC Sport. 2004-12-07. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ "Clydesdale in SPL sponsor talks". BBC Sport website. 11 October 2006.
  8. ^ "Clydesdale are new SPL sponsors". BBC Sport website. 19 October 2006.
  9. ^ a b c d "SPL stand by their split decision". Sunday Herald. 1999-08-08. Retrieved 2008-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ a b "SPL praises Euro performances". BBC Sport. 2008-03-22. Retrieved 2008-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ "Porto end Celtic's Uefa dream". BBC Sport. 2003-05-21. Retrieved 2008-05-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  12. ^ "Rangers 1-1 Inter Milan". BBC Sport. 2005-12-06. Retrieved 2008-05-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ "Celtic 1-0 Man Utd". BBC Sport. 2006-11-21. Retrieved 2008-05-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ "AC Milan 1-0 Celtic". BBC Sport. 2007-12-04. Retrieved 2008-05-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ "Calderwood aims to end 37 years of Scottish hurt in Europe". The Guardian. 2008-05-09. Retrieved 2007-12-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ "Uefa Cup final - Zenit 2-0 Rangers". BBC Sport. 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2008-05-16. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ "The SPL split makes no sense, insists Levein SPL split is a nonsense, insists Craig". Daily Mail. 2007-04-07. Retrieved 2008-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ "Smith in blast at SPL split decision". Daily Mail. 2007-04-21. Retrieved 2008-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ "JEFFERIES WANTS A NEW-LOOK LEAGUE". Sporting Life. Retrieved 2008-03-22.
  20. ^ "Dutch resurrect Atlantic League". BBC Sport. 2002-04-24. Retrieved 2008-03-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ "Blatter opposes Old Firm switch". BBC Sport. 2008-03-07. Retrieved 2008-03-26.
  22. ^ "Old Firm urged to talk". BBC Sport. 2002-05-12. Retrieved 2008-03-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ "Levein wants Old Firm kicked out". BBC Sport. 2002-04-07. Retrieved 2008-03-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ "Fifa writes off Old Firm hopes". BBC Sport. 2001-07-30. Retrieved 2008-03-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ a b c "McLeish berates SPL". BBC Sport. 2003-03-25. Retrieved 2008-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ "Football: BRING BACK BREAK". Daily Mirror. 2005-06-12. Retrieved 2008-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ [1]
  28. ^ [2]
  29. ^ "Court Rules Famine Song is Racist". stv. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  30. ^ "Judges brand Famine Song 'racist'". BBC. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  31. ^ [3]
  32. ^ a b "SPL face fresh criticism over under-21 rule". Telegraph. 2007-08-17. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Text "accessdate–2008-03-22" ignored (help)
  33. ^ "FAQs". SPL official website. Retrieved 2008-03-22.
  34. ^ "Flo goes to Rangers". BBC Sport. 2000-11-23. Retrieved 2008-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  35. ^ "Gordon completes Sunderland move". BBC Sport. 2007-08-08. Retrieved 2008-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  36. ^ "Spurs complete signing of Hutton". BBC Sport. 2007-01-30. Retrieved 2008-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  37. ^ "Celtic win race for Hibs' Brown". BBC Sport. 2007-05-15. Retrieved 2008-03-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  38. ^ a b c d e "Dark days ahead for debt-ridden Scottish clubs". Telegraph. 2004-02-13. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. ^ "SPL posts record losses". BBC Sport. 2003-09-23. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  40. ^ "Livi in administration". BBC Sport. 2004-02-03. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  41. ^ "Pars players face wage cuts". BBC Sport. 2003-12-02. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  42. ^ "Rangers to raise £57m". BBC Sport. 2004-09-01. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  43. ^ "'Well end administration". BBC Sport. 2004-04-20. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  44. ^ "Dundee to enter new era". BBC Sport. 2004-08-05. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  45. ^ "Livingston out of administration". BBC Sport. 2005-05-13. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  46. ^ a b "SPL continues economic recovery". BBC Sport. 2006-10-03. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  47. ^ a b "Hearts buck debt reduction trend". BBC Sport. 2007-08-15. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  48. ^ "Profits on the up for SPL clubs". BBC Sport. 2008-08-27. Retrieved 2008-08-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  49. ^ "Gretna edging closer to closure". BBC Sport. 2008-03-13. Retrieved 2008-03-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  50. ^ "Clubs expect more financial woes". BBC News. 2009-03-17. Retrieved 2009-03-17. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  51. ^ [4]
  52. ^ "Penny pinching Rangers". Daily Mail. 2009-03-07. Retrieved 2009-03-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  53. ^ Rangers offer redundancy packages BBC News, 7 March 2009
  54. ^ "Crisis Could Put Gers in Celtic's shadow for 10 years". News of The World. 2009-03-15. Retrieved 2009-03-15. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  55. ^ "FANS GET A TELLYFUL; SPL set to launch its own TV station as Sky switch off". Daily Record. 2002-01-16. Retrieved 2008-03-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  56. ^ "Old Firm scupper SPL TV". BBC Sport. 2002-04-08. Retrieved 2008-03-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  57. ^ "Scottish league faces collapse". BBC Sport. 2002-04-16. Retrieved 2008-03-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  58. ^ "SPL signs BBC deal". BBC Sport. 2002-07-31. Retrieved 2008-03-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  59. ^ "Scottish clubs quit SPL". BBC Sport. 2002-08-01. Retrieved 2008-03-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  60. ^ "SPL ends internal strife". BBC Sport. 2003-01-22. Retrieved 2008-03-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  61. ^ "Setanta wins SPL TV deal". BBC Sport. 2004-02-26. Retrieved 2008-03-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  62. ^ "Record-breaking TV deal for SPL". Scottish Premier League. 2008-06-30. Retrieved 2008-06-30.
  63. ^ http://www.scotprem.com/content/default.asp?page=s2&newsid=6289&back=home
  64. ^ "BBC welcomes radio deal". BBC Sport. 2004-02-26. Retrieved 2008-03-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  65. ^ "BBC scores Scottish winner". BBC Sport. 2000-06-14. Retrieved 2008-03-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  66. ^ SPL All time records ScotPrem.co.uk, 22 March 2008
  67. ^ Statistics obtained from Soccerbase.com
  68. ^ Clubs only include those where players scored goals
  69. ^ a b c d e Still active in SPL squads
  70. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "SPL - All Time Records". ScotPrem.co.uk. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
  71. ^ Will you see history be made today? | Hearts | News | Hearts News | Hearts News
  72. ^ a b c d "SPL statistics". ScotPrem.co.uk. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
  73. ^ "Dons top programme poll". Scottish Premier League website. 2009-03-31. Retrieved 2009-04-01.

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