The SPL - A Sinking Ship?

So last night all Scottish clubs were emliminated from European competitions meaning we will see no one playing in Europe this season, What will become of this disaster?

Well for starters reaching the Champions League group stage is worth an estimated £10 million. This season we only had one participant in the Champions League qualifying, Rangers who were eliminated by Malmo. In the past Scotland has had two participants in it but due to years of failures in competitions the co-efficient has slipped meaning the loss of places.

The Europa league, The lesser of European competitions has also been a disaster for Scotland, First Dundee United went out, Followed by Hearts Rangers and Celtic last night.

The financial side isn't the only problem though, the loss of the attraction to come to Scotland and play against some of the best sides in Europe is often a big selling point, Well not anymore meaning it will be harder to attract players of higher quality.

This might have a nock on effect, Who wants to sponser a league that is continuing to fail? Current partners of the SPL include SKY ESPN, BBC, Clydesdale Bank, Mitre, Football gambling sites William Hill and The Football Pools, Gaming companies, EA Sports and Sega, UK travel company Thomas Cook and Coca Cola with various other media outlets also being partnered with the SPL.

So do all these companies wish to keep giving money to a league which is considered to be dropping in standard, Ticket price increases with living costs increasing meaning it is pricing some families out of going to games.

The SPL and SFA need to get together and develop plans to save the Scottish game before its too late. What they can do now when the damage has been done last night is unknown but by building for the future then they can help get the game on track and up to where it once was.

Rangers Out Of The Champions League.

Rangers were dumped out of the Champions after finishing the game with 9 men in Sweden.

Steven Whittaker was the first to be sent off after he threw a ball at an opposition player.

10 men Rangers kicked on and got the opening goal after 23 minutes when Jelavic finished.

Malmo could have been reduced to 10 men when Durmaz kicked out at Lee Mcullouch but escaped punishment.

In the second half Bougherra was sent off for an elbow when challenging for a ball which could have been seen as harsh.

Malmo also saw a red card later on but it wasnt to matter as they scored a few minutes later to secure the tie 2-1 on aggregate.

So Rangers out of the Champions League but now go into the Europa League.

Rangers On The Brink Of Early European Exit?

Rangers now need to go to Sweden and win on Wednesday night after failing to beat Malmo at Ibrox yesterday.

The Gers went down 1-0 as Daniel Larsson got the only goal of the game. Rangers should have got a few goals in the second half but Steven Naismith was unable to convert two different taps ins.

David Weir had to be subsituted and it looks like he might miss the second leg but new signing Dorin Goian might be able to play if his work permit comes through in time.

Both teams went on to create chances but were unable to score and it leaves Rangers with a lot of work to do if they want to progress to the next round.