FACTOID # 36: Women are flooding into the workforce in many Muslim countries.
 
 Home   Encyclopedia   Statistics   Countries A-Z   Flags   Maps   Education   Forum   FAQ   About 
 
WHAT'S NEW
RECENT ARTICLES
More Recent Articles »
 

SEARCH ALL

FACTS & STATISTICS    Advanced view

Search encyclopedia, statistics and forums:

 

 

(* = Graphable)

 

 


Encyclopedia > Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
Country Scotland
Confederation UEFA
Founded 1998
Divisions 1
Number of teams 24
Relegation to First Division
Domestic cup(s) Scottish Cup
League Cup
UEFA cup(s) Champions League
UEFA Cup
Intertoto Cup
Current champions Celtic (2007–08)
Website http://www.scotprem.com/
2007–08 season

The Scottish Premier League, currently known as the Clydesdale Bank Premier League for sponsorship reasons and often known as the Scottish Premier League, Premier League or SPL 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.[1] 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.[2] The Union Européenne de Football Association or Union of European Football Associations in English, almost always referred to by the acronym UEFA (pronounced (you-AY-fuh) or (oo-Ay-fuh) or ), is the administrative and controlling body for European football. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... In many sports leagues around the world (with North American and Australian professional leagues being the most notable exceptions), relegation (or demotion) means the mandated transfer of the least successful team(s) of a higher division into a lower division at the end of the season. ... The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system. ... The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup[1], usually known as the Scottish Cup, is the national cup knockout competition in Scottish football. ... The Scottish Football League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. ... UEFA Champions League, which replaced the European Champions Cup, is a seasonal club football competition organised by UEFA since 1992 for the most successful football clubs in Europe. ... The UEFA Cup (also known as European Cup 3, CE3 or C3) is a football competition for European club teams, organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). ... The UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup, is a summer football competition for European clubs that have not qualified for one of the two major UEFA competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... The 2007-08 Scottish Premier League season is the tenth season of the Scottish Premier League. ... Image File history File links Soccerball_current_event. ... The 2007-08 Scottish Premier League season is the tenth season of the Scottish Premier League. ... The Scottish football league system (or pyramid) is a series of partially interconnected leagues for Scottish Association football clubs. ... The Scottish Football League is a league of football teams in Scotland. ... This article is about the country. ... The Union Européenne de Football Association or Union of European Football Associations in English, almost always referred to by the acronym UEFA (pronounced (you-AY-fuh) or (oo-Ay-fuh) or ), is the administrative and controlling body for European football. ...


A total of 17 clubs have competed in the SPL since its inauguration in 1998-99, but only two have won the title: Celtic (the current champions, who won their sixth title in the 2007-08 season) and Rangers (who have four titles). Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... The 2007-08 Scottish Premier League season is the tenth season of the Scottish Premier League. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ...

Contents

History

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. The Scottish Football League is a league of football teams in Scotland. ... In many sports leagues around the world (with North American and Australian professional leagues being the most notable exceptions), relegation (or demotion) means the mandated transfer of the least successful team(s) of a higher division into a lower division at the end of the season. ... The Scottish Football League Premier Division was, from the mid-1970s until 1998, the top division of the Scottish Football League and the entire Scottish football league system. ... The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system. ... The Scottish Football League Second Division is the second highest division of the Scottish Football League and the third highest overall in the Scottish football league system. ... Season 1975-1976 was the seventy-eighth season of Scottish league football. ...


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 of ten clubs. The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... The Scottish Football League Third Division is the third highest division of the Scottish Football League and the fourth highest overall in the Scottish football league system. ...


Formation of the SPL

In 1998, 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. For other sports leagues which may be referred to by this name, see list of professional sports leagues. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... The 1992-1993 season was the 113th season of competitive football in England. ...


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. The 2003-04 season was the 104th season of competetive football in Scotland. ...


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 2005/2006 season, the seventh placed club, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, gained more points than the fourth placed club Hibernian. The 2005-06 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic. ... Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the city of Inverness. ... This article is about the Scottish football club. ...


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.[3] Falkirk Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Falkirk, playing in the Scottish Premier League after winning promotion from the Scottish First Division in season 2004/05. ... Airdrie United Football Club are a Scottish professional association football team based in the town of Airdrie, North Lanarkshire. ... Motherwell Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. ...


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, [4] a ground over 100 miles (160 km) away. In 2005, the stadium size criterion for entry to the SPL was reduced to 6,000, [5] thereby allowing Inverness Caledonian Thistle to return to their home stadium during the 2005-06 season.[5] Partick Thistle Football Club is a Scottish football club. ... Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the city of Inverness. ... Aberdeen Football Club are a football team from Aberdeen, Scotland, who compete in the Scottish Premier League. ... Pittodrie is a football stadium situated in the Scottish city of Aberdeen. ... The 2005-06 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic. ...


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,[6] and a deal was confirmed shortly afterwards. A four-year deal for £8m came into effect from July 2007.[7] Bank of Scotland plc is a commercial and clearing bank, based in Edinburgh, Scotland. ... Competitive football has been played in Scotland since 1890. ... Competitive football has been played in Scotland since 1890. ... The Clydesdale Bank PLC (Scottish Gaelic: ) is a commercial bank in the United Kingdom, a subsidiary of the nab Group. ...


Competition format

Competition

Hearts take on Hibernian in the Edinburgh Derby in December 2006.
Hearts take on Hibernian in the Edinburgh Derby 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. The Edinburgh derby is an informal title given to any football match played between the two biggest teams in Edinburgh, Scotland: Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) and Hibernian (Hibs). ... December 2006 is the twelfth and final month of the year and will begin in 2 day(s). ... In sports such as ice hockey and soccer, goal difference (that is, goals scored less goals conceded) is often the first tie-breaker used to rank teams which finish a competition with an equal number of points. ...


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 'predict' the likely positions of each club in order to produce a fixture schedule which will ensure the best possible chance of each club playing each other twice at home and twice away. This is known as the league seedings and are based on clubs' performance in previous years.[8] However, should a club predicted to finish in the top six finish in the bottom six, they face the possibility of playing more games away from home than at home or vice-versa.[8] 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.[8]


The bottom placed SPL club are relegated, and swap places with the winner of the Scottish First Division, provided that the winner satisfies the league's entry criteria. The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system. ...


European qualification

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

The Scottish Premier League is currently tenth in UEFA's coefficient ranking, meaning that two SPL clubs currently qualify for the UEFA Champions League (the first and second placed clubs) as well as two qualifying for the UEFA Cup (third placed club and the Scottish Cup winner). If the winner of the Scottish Cup has already qualified for Europe via their league position, the UEFA Cup place is allocated to the runner-up. If both Scottish Cup final representitives have qualified for Europe via their league position, the final UEFA Cup place is given the SPL's fourth placed club. Clubs also have the opportunity to apply for qualification to the UEFA Intertoto Cup, which is given to the highest placed applicant, although only two clubs have chosen to play in the tournament since the SPL's inception in 1998/99 (Dundee in 2001 and Hibernian in 2004 and 2006). Clubs may also qualify for Europe via the UEFA Fair Play ranking. Futbol Club Barcelona (Spanish IPA: , Catalan IPA: ), known familiarly as Barça (Spanish IPA: , Catalan IPA: ), is a sports club based in Barcelona, Spain. ... The Camp Nou (IPA: , Catalan for new field, often called the Nou Camp in both Spanish and English, sometimes erroneously spelt newcamp in English) is an association football stadium in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. ... The 2007–08 UEFA Champions League is the 16th season of UEFAs premier European club football tournament, the UEFA Champions League, since it was rebranded in 1992, and the 53rd tournament overall. ... In European football, the UEFA coefficients are statistics used for ranking and seeding teams in club and international competitions. ... UEFA Champions League, which replaced the European Champions Cup, is a seasonal club football competition organised by UEFA since 1992 for the most successful football clubs in Europe. ... The UEFA Cup (also known as European Cup 3, CE3 or C3) is a football competition for European club teams, organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). ... The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup[1], usually known as the Scottish Cup, is the national cup knockout competition in Scottish football. ... The UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup, is a summer football competition for European clubs that have not qualified for one of the two major UEFA competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. ... The UEFA Intertoto Cup 2001 finals were won by Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain, and Troyes. ... The UEFA Intertoto Cup 2004 finals were won by Lille, Schalke 04, and Villarreal. ... The UEFA Intertoto Cup 2006 was the first after a major change of the competition format. ... The UEFA Fair Play ranking is used by UEFA to grant three berths for the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup. ...


Since the SPL's inception, Scotland's UEFA coefficient has increased significantly, having been ranked 26th in 1998/99.[9] 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.[10] 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,[11] a feat which was repeated by Celtic the following two seasons.[12][13] In the 2007–08 season, three Scottish clubs were competing in Europe after Christmas for the first time since 1970,[14] 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.[15] During the season Scotland's European representitives collected the most coefficient points since the 1982–83 season.[9] FC Porto emblem (Larger version) Futebol Clube do Porto (short: FC Porto, FCP) is a Portuguese sports club, best known for its football section. ... Extra time is an additional period played at the end of some games of football (soccer) if the score is tied after the two standard periods (halves) of play. ... The 2003 UEFA Cup Final was played on May 21, 2003 between Celtic F.C. of Scotland and F.C. Porto of Portugal. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... The UEFA Cup Winners Cup (also known as the European Cup Winners Cup) was a football club competition contested annually by the most recent winners of all European domestic cup competitions. ... The season 1971-72 of the Cup Winners Cup football club tournament was won by Rangers F.C. in a final victory against FC Dynamo Moscow for their only European trophy. ... FC Zenit is a Russian football club, based in Saint Petersburg. ... The 2008 UEFA Cup Final will be the 50th edition of the European UEFA Cup football club tournament. ... The 1982-1983 season was the 86th season of competitive football in Scotland. ...


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 labeled the format as "rubbish" and a "nonsense", claiming that it resulted in lost revenue for clubs and put more pressure on managers. [16] While Rangers manager Walter Smith branded the format as "unfair" and called for an 18-team league to be considered. [17] 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 Football League. [8] April 2007 is the fourth month of the year. ... Craig William Levein (born 22 October 1964 in Dunfermline) is a Scottish former professional footballer and current football manager and Director of Football. ... Walter Smith OBE (born February 24, 1948 in Lanark) is a Scottish former football player, but is better known as a football manager. ... The Scottish Football League is a league of football teams in Scotland. ...


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. [18] 2008 (MMVIII) will be a leap year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Jim Jefferies (born 1950 in Musselburgh, East Lothian) is the Scottish football manager of Kilmarnock F.C.. Also a former player, whose defensive versatility often counted against him in the attacking Hearts team in the 1970s, Jeffries has enjoyed considerably greater success as a manager than during his playing career. ...


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, Rangers and Celtic 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 would experience severe 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 huge increase in 'meaningless' mid-table games, might still impact attendances and finance.


Old Firm dominance

Both sets of fans at an Old Firm match at Celtic Park.
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, Rangers and Celtic. 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. This is similar to other European leagues which also have the same clubs dominate the top positions. 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 Cup. Image File history File links Oldfirm. ... Image File history File links Oldfirm. ... Crowd at football match between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. at Celtic Park. ... This page is about the soccer stadium in Glasgow. ... Crowd at football match between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. at Celtic Park. ... Competitive football has been played in Scotland since 1890 The 2005-06 season was the 109th season of competitive football in Scotland. ... Heart of Midlothian F.C. (most commonly referred to as Hearts) are a professional football club and are a football team in Edinburgh, Scotland who play in the Scottish Premier League. ... UEFA Champions League, which replaced the European Champions Cup, is a seasonal club football competition organised by UEFA since 1992 for the most successful football clubs in Europe. ... The UEFA Cup (also known as European Cup 3, CE3 or C3) is a football competition for European club teams, organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). ...


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 a European league with clubs from countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal.[19] While some feel that the departure of the Old Firm from the Scottish football setup would be detrimental to Scottish football as a whole,[20][21] others, such as Craig Levein, believe it would benefit Scottish football due to increased competition among the remaining clubs for the SPL title[22]. The English football league system, otherwise known as the football pyramid, is a series of interconnected leagues for club football in England (although for historical reasons a small number of Welsh clubs also compete). ... Jupiler League redirects here. ... Craig William Levein (born 22 October 1964 in Dunfermline) is a Scottish former professional footballer and current football manager and Director of Football. ...


World football's governing body FIFA, however, has ruled out the prospect of any move to the English set-up[23]. This article is about the international association football organization. ...


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[24], former Dundee manager Jim Duffy[24] and current Rangers manager Walter Smith are among those who have called for the winter break to be reinstated. [25] 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. [24] The 2000-01 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic. ... Martin Hugh Michael ONeill, OBE, (born March 1, 1952 in Kilrea, Northern Ireland) is a former Northern Ireland national football team captain who has previously managed Wycombe Wanderers, Norwich City, Leicester City and Celtic and is currently manager of Aston Villa. ... Jim Duffy may refer to multiple people: Jim Duffy, Irish journalist. ... Alexander Alec McLeish (born January 21, 1959, Barrhead, Renfrewshire, Scotland) nicknamed Big Eck,[1] is a former professional footballer and is currently manager of the Scotland national team. ...


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.


Players

Tore André Flo is the SPL's most expensive ever signing
Tore André Flo is the SPL's most expensive ever signing

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. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1156x1824, 1325 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Tore André Flo ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1156x1824, 1325 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Tore André Flo ... Tore André Flo (born 15 June 1973 in Stryn) is a Norwegian footballer, who is currently playing for Leeds United as a striker. ...


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 McPherson and Jim Jefferies have expressed their disapproval of the policy.[26] John Collins, meanwhile, expressed approval of the ruling, claiming that it is healthy for Scottish football and encouraged the development of young players.[26] Walter Smith OBE (born February 24, 1948 in Lanark) is a Scottish former football player, but is better known as a football manager. ... Angus (Gus) Ian MacPherson (born 11 October 1968 in Glasgow) is a former Scottish footballer and is currently manager of St Mirren. ... Jim Jefferies (born 1950 in Musselburgh, East Lothian) is the Scottish football manager of Kilmarnock F.C.. Also a former player, whose defensive versatility often counted against him in the attacking Hearts team in the 1970s, Jeffries has enjoyed considerably greater success as a manager than during his playing career. ... John Angus Paul Collins (born January 31, 1968 in Galashiels, Scotland) is a former Scottish international footballer and the current manager of Hibernian. ...


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[27]). The 2004-05 Scottish Premier League was won by Rangers. ...


SPL transfer records

  • Highest transfer fee received:
Craig Gordon, from Hearts to Sunderland, £9m, 8 August 2007[29]
Alan Hutton, from Rangers to Tottenham Hotspur, £9m, 30 January 2008[30]

Tore André Flo (born June 15, 1973 in Stryn, Norway) is a Norwegian soccer player, who in his professional career has played for Chelsea F.C. and Rangers, and is currently playing in Siena. ... Chelsea Football Club (also known as The Blues or previously The Pensioners) are an English professional football club based in west London. ... is the 327th day of the year (328th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... Craig Sinclair Gordon (born 31 December 1982 in Edinburgh) is a Scottish professional footballer, currently a goalkeeper for both Sunderland and the Scotland national team. ... Current season Sunderland Association Football Club is a professional association football team based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, in North-East England. ... is the 220th day of the year (221st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Alan Hutton (born November 30, 1984 in Penilee, Glasgow) is a professional footballer currently playing for Scottish Premier League side Rangers. ... Current season Tottenham Hotspur Football Club is an English professional football club which currently plays in the Premier League. ... is the 30th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... Scott Brown (born June 25, 1985 in Dunfermline, Fife) is a Scottish professional footballer, currently playing for Scottish Premier League club Celtic. ... is the 152nd day of the year (153rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

Finances

Financial crisis

Chairman David Murray launched a rights issue in order to reduce Rangers' debts.

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.[32] A better deal failed to arise, however, adding to the clubs’ already delicate financial position.[32] By season 2001-02, combined debt among SPL clubs was estimated to be around £132m, having been barely into double figures two years previously.[32] 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.[32] Dundee were next to follow, when in November 2003 they sacked 25 staff after debts of £20m.[32] 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.[33] David Murray, live in Warsaw, Poland, April 2003, PD image by WojPob This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... David Murray, live in Warsaw, Poland, April 2003, PD image by WojPob This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... In equities, a rights issue can be made when a company wants to issue new shares. ... Administration is a procedure under the insolvency laws of a number of common law jurisdictions which functions as a rescue mechanism for insolvent companies and allows them to carry on running their business. ... Sky Sports is the brand name for a group of 9 channels. ... Motherwell Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. ... 2002 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December A timeline of events in the news for April, 2002. ... Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football team based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. ... 2003 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December A timeline of events in the news for November, 2003. ... 2003 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December A timeline of events in the news for September, 2003. ...


Livingston became the third SPL club to enter administration in February 2004, with debts of £3.5m.[34] Dunfermline Athletic's financial position also looked bleak, with several players asked to take wage-cuts,[35] 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.[36] A report by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2003 described five SPL clubs - Dundee, Dunfermline Athletic, Hearts, Hibernian and Livingston - as "technically insolvent".[37] Original Livingston FC club badge. ... February 2004 was the second month of 2004 in the Gregorian calendar. ... Dunfermline Athletic Football Club is a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. ... Dodgy David Murray Sir David Edward Murray (born Ayr, 14 October 1951) is a Scottish entrepreneur, businessman and Chairman of Rangers Football Club. ... September 2004 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December See also: September 2004 in sports Events Deaths in September • 27 Tsai Wan-lin • 24 Françoise Sagan • 20 Brian Clough • 18 Russ Meyer • 15 Johnny Ramone • 12 Fred Ebb • 11 Peter VII of Alexandria • 8... In equities, a rights issue can be made when a company wants to issue new shares. ... A former PwC office building (Southwark Towers) in London, England. ...


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[38] and August 2004[39], respectively, while Livingston ended their fifteen month spell in administration in May 2005.[40] 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.[41] While seven of the SPL's 12 clubs had a wage turnover ratio of less than 60%.[41] 2004 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December Deaths in April • 18 Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara • 19 Norris McWhirter • 22 Pat Tillman • 24 Estée Lauder Other recent deaths Ongoing events EU Enlargement Exploration of Mars: Rovers Haiti Rebellion Reconstruction of Iraq – Occupation & Resistance Israeli... August 2004 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December See also: August 2004 in sports • 30 Fred Whipple • 26 Laura Branigan • 24 Elisabeth Kübler-Ross • 18 Elmer Bernstein • 15 Amarsinh Chaudhary • 14 CzesÅ‚aw MiÅ‚osz • 13 Julia Child • 8 Robert Bootzin • 8 Fay... 2005 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December- → Wikimedia Commons has media related to: May 2005 Deaths in May May 26: Eddie Albert May 25: Ismail Merchant May 25: Sunil Dutt May 25: Graham Kennedy May 22: Thurl Ravenscroft May 21: Howard Morris May 21...


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.[42] 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.[42]


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.[43] Gretna Football Club is a Scottish football club from Gretna, near Annan, Dumfries and Galloway and promoted to the Scottish Premier League in the 06/07 season. ... 2008 (MMVIII) will be a leap year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Brooks John Joseph Mileson (born Pennywell, Sunderland) is a British businessmen and the financial backer of Scottish football club Gretna as well as being a philanthropist to 70 non-league clubs. ...


Media coverage

Television

A cameraman pitchside at Tynecastle Stadium.
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. After Sky Sports withdrew their interest in the SPL, discussions began in 2002 for a new pay-per-view satellite television channel, dubbed "SPL TV".[44] Discussions broke down in April 2002, however, when the Old Firm clubs, Rangers and Celtic, utilized the 11-1 voting system to veto the proposals. [45] This caused discontent among the remaining 10 SPL clubs who subsequently announced their intention to resign from the league.[46] Tynecastle Stadium is a football stadium situated in Edinburgh, Scotland. ... The 2001-02 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic. ... This article is about the Scottish television network. ... 2002 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December A timeline of events in the news for April, 2002. ...


Despite a two-year television deal being agreed with BBC Scotland in July 2002,[47] 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. [48] 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. [49] BBC Scotland (BBC Alba in Gaelic) is a constituent part of the British Broadcasting Corporation, the publicly-funded broadcaster of the United Kingdom. ... July 2002 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December // See also: Timeline of the War in Afghanistan (July 2002) A Russian Tupolev Tu-154 airliner and a Boeing 757 operated by DHL collide at 35,000ft over Uberlingen, due to failure of correct communication from... August 2002 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December // See also: Afghanistan timeline August 2002 Israeli-Palestinian conflict: A Palestinian suicide bombing claims 9 lives, near Safed; there is a shooting attack in Jerusalem, claiming 2; there is an attack upon a settler family, killing... 2003: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December A timeline of events in the news for January, 2003. ...


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.[50] The 2003-04 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic. ... Setanta Sports (pronounced ) is an international sports broadcaster, operating 12 channels in 24 countries. ... February 2004 was the second month of 2004 in the Gregorian calendar. ...


STV's Scotsport currently own the rights to broadcast highlights of each game first on terrestrial TV. From season 2007-08 onwards BBC Scotland's Sportscene also has rights to broadcast a highlights shown on terrestrial TV after STV's programme. The BBC also hold the rights to show on-line internet highlights to U.K. users for 1 week after each game. This article is about the Scottish television network. ... Scotsport is a Scottish sports television programme. ... Sportscene is a Scottish sports television programme produced by BBC Scotland. ...


In Australia and the USA the Scottish Premier League is currently available on Setanta Sports. Setanta Sports (pronounced ) is an international sports broadcaster, operating 12 channels in 24 countries. ...


Radio

Radio broadcasting rights are currently held by BBC Radio Scotland, who have held the rights since the SPL's inception in 1998/99.[51] 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.[52]However Old Firm games are broadcast when available on BBC Radio 5 Live and also on 102.5 Clyde 1. BBC Radio Scotland is BBC Scotlands national radio network, broadcasting since 1976 on 92-95 FM and 810 medium wave. ... 2000 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December This is a timeline for events in June, 2000. ... Crowd at football match between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. at Celtic Park. ... BBC Radio Five Live is the radio service providing live BBC News, phone-ins, and sports commentaries. ... 102. ...


SPL clubs

Main article: List of Scottish Premier League clubs

SPL members for 2008-09

The following twelve clubs will be competing in the Scottish Premier League during the 2008–09 season. The Scottish Premier League, currently known as the Clydesdale Bank Premier League for sponsorship reasons and often known as the Scottish Premier League, Premier League or SPL is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top level of the Scottish football league system - above the Scottish Football...

Aberdeen
Celtic
Dundee United
Falkirk
Hamilton
Hearts
Hibernian
Inverness CT
Kilmarnock
Motherwell
Rangers
St. Mirren
Club
Position
in 2007–08
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 1st 1890–91 1890–91 2007–08
Dundee Uniteda,b 5th 1925–26 1996–97 1982–83
Falkirk 7th 1905–06 2005–06
Hamilton 1st (First Division) 1906–07 2008–09
Heartsa,b 8th 1890–91 1983–84 1959–60
Hibernian 6th 1895–96 1999–00 1951–52
Inverness CT 9th 2004–05 2004–05
Kilmarnocka,b 11th 1899–00 1992–93 1964–65
Motherwella,b 3rd 1903–04 1985–86 1931–32
Rangersa,b 2nd 1890–91 1890–91 2004–05
St. Mirren 10th 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. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 451 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1154 × 1535 pixel, file size: 661 KB, MIME type: image/png) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... The 2007-08 Scottish Premier League season is the tenth season of the Scottish Premier League. ... Aberdeen Football Club are a football team from Aberdeen, Scotland, who compete in the Scottish Premier League. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. ... Falkirk Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Falkirk, playing in the Scottish Premier League after winning promotion from the Scottish First Division in season 2004/05. ... Hamilton Academical is a football club from Hamilton, Scotland. ... Irn-Bru Scottish Football League Logo The 2007-08 First Division season is the thirteenth season of the Scottish First Division in its current format of ten teams. ... Heart of Midlothian F.C. (most commonly referred to as Hearts) are a professional football club and are a football team in Edinburgh, Scotland who play in the Scottish Premier League. ... This article is about the Scottish football club. ... Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the city of Inverness. ... Kilmarnock Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. ... Motherwell Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Saint Mirren Football Club (commonly known by the shortnening St. ...

Club
Position
in 2007–08
First season
in top division
Last season in
top division
Last title
Gretna 12th, SPL 2007–08 2007–08
Dunfermlinea, 5th, First Division 1926–27 2006–07
Livingston 7th, First Division 2001–02 2005–06
Dundeea, 2nd, First Division 1893–94 2004–05 1961–62
Partick Thistle 6th, First Division 1897–98 2003–04
St. Johnstonea, 3rd, First Division 1924–25 2001–02
a = Founding member of the Scottish Premier League

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. Partick Thistle are the only SPL member to have ever dropped below the First Division. Competitive football has been played in Scotland since 1890. ... The Scottish football champions are the winners of the highest league in Scottish football, which is currently the Scottish Premier League. ... Gretna Football Club is a Scottish football club from Gretna, near Annan, Dumfries and Galloway and promoted to the Scottish Premier League in the 06/07 season. ... Competitive football has been played in Scotland since 1890. ... Competitive football has been played in Scotland since 1890. ... Dunfermline Athletic Football Club is a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Season 1926-1927 was the thirty-seventh season of Scottish league football. ... Competitive football has been played in Scotland since 1890. ... Original Livingston FC club badge. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... The 2001-02 season was the 105th season of competetive football in Scotland. ... Competitive football has been played in Scotland since 1890 The 2005-06 season was the 109th season of competitive football in Scotland. ... Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football team based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... 1893-1894 was the fourth season of Scottish league football. ... The 2004-05 season was the 108th season of competitive football in Scotland. ... Season 1961-1962 was the sixty-fourth season of Scottish league football. ... Partick Thistle Football Club is a Scottish professional football club from the city of Glasgow. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... 1897-1898 was the eighth season of Scottish league football. ... Competitive football has been played in Scotland since 1890. ... St. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Season 1924-1925 was the thirty-fifth season of Scottish league football. ... The 2001-02 season was the 105th season of competetive football in Scotland. ... Saint Mirren Football Club (commonly known by the shortnening St. ... Dunfermline Athletic Football Club is a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. ... Partick Thistle Football Club is a Scottish professional football club from the city of Glasgow. ... The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system. ...

Stadiums

Celtic Park is the SPL's biggest stadium.
Celtic Park is the SPL's biggest stadium.
Ibrox Stadium is the SPL's only UEFA 5 star stadium.
Ibrox Stadium is the SPL's only UEFA 5 star stadium.
Stadium Capacity Club Notes
Celtic Park 60,832 Celtic Celtic Park is the biggest football stadium in Scotland.
Ibrox Stadium 51,444 Rangers Ibrox Stadium is one of two UEFA 5 Star Stadia in Scotland (the other being Hampden Park).
Pittodrie Stadium 22,199 Aberdeen Pittodrie was the first stadium in the UK to be all covered and all seated.
Rugby Park 18,128 Kilmarnock
Easter Road 17,500 Hibernian Hibs are building a new East Stand that will be complete by the 2009/2010 season raising the capacity to around 22,000
Tynecastle Stadium 17,420 Hearts Hearts have played some European games at Murrayfield Stadium. Capacity planned to increase to 23,000 by 2010.
Tannadice Park 14,209 Dundee United
Fir Park 13,742 Motherwell
St. Mirren Park 10,800 St. Mirren St Mirren will move to a new 8,000 seater stadium during 2008/2009 season
Caledonian Stadium 7,500 Inverness CT
Falkirk Stadium 6,935 Falkirk Falkirk are currently in building work to expand their newly built stadium.
New Douglas Park 6,000 Hamilton Academical

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 1998/1999 season to the end of the 2007/2008 season, inclusive. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution‎ (1,600 × 1,200 pixels, file size: 553 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) This photograph was taken by celticfcuk on Tuesday 28th August 2007 at 18:54 from the Jock Stein stand whilst participating in a... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution‎ (1,600 × 1,200 pixels, file size: 553 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) This photograph was taken by celticfcuk on Tuesday 28th August 2007 at 18:54 from the Jock Stein stand whilst participating in a... This page is about the soccer stadium in Glasgow. ... The main stand of Ibrox Stadium, in Glasgow, Scotland. ... The main stand of Ibrox Stadium, in Glasgow, Scotland. ... Ibrox Stadium, originally Ibrox Park, is the stadium of Rangers F.C. It is located on the south side of the River Clyde in the Ibrox district of Glasgow, Scotland. ... This page is about the soccer stadium in Glasgow. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... Ibrox Stadium, originally Ibrox Park, is the stadium of Rangers F.C. It is located on the south side of the River Clyde in the Ibrox district of Glasgow, Scotland. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... The Union Européenne de Football Association or Union of European Football Associations in English, almost always referred to by the acronym UEFA (pronounced (you-AY-fuh) or (oo-Ay-fuh) or ), is the administrative and controlling body for European football. ... For other uses, see Hampden Park (disambiguation). ... Pittodrie Stadium is a football stadium situated in the Scottish city of Aberdeen. ... Aberdeen Football Club are a football team from Aberdeen, Scotland, who compete in the Scottish Premier League. ... Rugby Park is a football stadium situated in the Scottish town of Kilmarnock. ... Kilmarnock Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. ... Easter Road is the home ground of Scottish football club Hibernian. ... This article is about the Scottish football club. ... Tynecastle Stadium is a football stadium situated in Edinburgh, Scotland. ... Heart of Midlothian F.C. (most commonly referred to as Hearts) are a professional football club and are a football team in Edinburgh, Scotland who play in the Scottish Premier League. ... Murrayfield Stadium is a sports stadium in the capital of , Edinburgh, and is the home of Scottish Rugby Union. ... 2010 (MMX) will be a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Tannadice Park, usually referred to as Tannadice, is a football stadium located on Tannadice Street in the Scottish city of Dundee. ... Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. ... Fir Park is a football stadium situated in Motherwell, Scotland. ... Motherwell Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. ... St. ... Saint Mirren Football Club (commonly known by the shortnening St. ... Tulloch Caledonian Stadium is a football stadium situated in the Longman area of Inverness, Scotland. ... Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the city of Inverness. ... Falkirk Community Stadium is a football stadium in Falkirk. ... Falkirk Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Falkirk, playing in the Scottish Premier League after winning promotion from the Scottish First Division in season 2004/05. ... New Douglas Park is the home to Hamilton Academical of the Scottish First Division in Hamilton. ... Hamilton Academical is a football club from Hamilton, Scotland. ...

P
Club
Ssn
Pld
W
D
L
F
A
GD
Pts
PPG
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
1 Celtic 10 378 280 51 45 888 303 +565 891 2.36 6 4
2 Rangers 10 378 256 68 52 799 305 +494 836 2.21 4 5 1
3 Hearts 10 378 156 92 128 546 450 +70 560 1.48 1 3 1
4 Kilmarnock 10 378 134 92 150 469 543 -74 493 1.30 3
5 Aberdeen 10 378 133 87 156 458 547 -89 486 1.29 1 3
6 Hibernian 9 340 126 83 131 484 480 +4 461 1.36 2 1
7 Motherwell 10 378 120 85 171 454 579 -125 445 1.18 1 1
8 Dundee United 10 378 99 101 176 404 586 -182 398 1.05
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 4 152 50 41 61 185 195 -10 191 1.25
12 Livingston 5 190 48 46 97 205 306 -101 189 0.94 1
13 St. Johnstone 4 148 39 43 66 139 200 -61 160 1.08 1
14 Falkirk 3 114 36 24 54 129 168 -31 132 1.16
15 St. Mirren 3 114 26 29 59 89 177 -88 107 0.94
16 Partick Thistle 2 76 14 19 43 76 125 -49 61 0.80
17 Gretna 1 38 5 8 25 32 83 -51 131 0.34
18 Hamilton Academical 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00

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. Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Heart of Midlothian F.C. (most commonly referred to as Hearts) are a professional football club and are a football team in Edinburgh, Scotland who play in the Scottish Premier League. ... Kilmarnock Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. ... Aberdeen Football Club are a football team from Aberdeen, Scotland, who compete in the Scottish Premier League. ... This article is about the Scottish football club. ... Motherwell Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. ... Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. ... Dunfermline Athletic Football Club is a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. ... Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football team based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. ... Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the city of Inverness. ... Original Livingston FC club badge. ... St. ... Falkirk Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Falkirk, playing in the Scottish Premier League after winning promotion from the Scottish First Division in season 2004/05. ... Saint Mirren Football Club (commonly known by the shortnening St. ... Partick Thistle Football Club is a Scottish professional football club from the city of Glasgow. ... Gretna Football Club is a Scottish football club from Gretna, near Annan, Dumfries and Galloway and promoted to the Scottish Premier League in the 06/07 season. ... Hamilton Academical is a football club from Hamilton, Scotland. ... The 2007-08 Scottish Premier League season is the tenth season of the Scottish Premier League. ...


Source: SPL official website

Top scorers

Below is a list of the players who haved 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.[53] Rangers striker Kris Boyd has the most goals of any currently active Premier League player. This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... Competitive football has been played in Scotland since 1890. ... Kris Boyd (born August 18, 1983 in Irvine[1]) is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing for Rangers in the Scottish Premier League. ...

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

Up to date as of 11 May 2008 (match(es) inclusive) This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... is the 131st day of the year (132nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ...

Rank Player Club(s)[54] Goals
1 Flag of Sweden Henrik Larsson Celtic (1998–2004) 242
2 Flag of Scotland Kris Boyd Kilmarnock (2000–2006)
Rangers (2006–present)
114[55]
3 Flag of Wales John Hartson Celtic (2001-2006) 88
4 Flag of Australia Scott McDonald Motherwell (2004–2007)
Celtic (2007–present)
67
5 Flag of Scotland Stevie Crawford Hibernian (1998–2000)
Dunfermline Athletic (1999–2004)
Dundee United (2005)
Aberdeen (2005–2006)
Dunfermline Athletic (2006–2008)
63
Flag of England Chris Sutton Celtic (2000–2006)
7 Flag of Spain Nacho Novo Dundee (2002–2004)
Rangers (2004–present)
62
8 Flag of Scotland Billy Dodds Dundee United (1998–1999)
Rangers (1999-2003)
Dundee United (2003–2006)
60
9 Flag of Scotland Derek Riordan Hibernian (2001–2006)
Celtic (2006–present)
59
10 Flag of Bulgaria Stilian Petrov Celtic (1999–2006) 55
  • Players emboldened are still active in SPL squads

Statistics obtained from Soccerbase.com Image File history File links Flag_of_Sweden. ... This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Kris Boyd (born August 18, 1983 in Irvine[1]) is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing for Rangers in the Scottish Premier League. ... Kilmarnock Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Wales_2. ... John Hartson (born April 5, 1975, in Swansea, Wales) is a professional footballer,currently playing for Norwich City on loan from West Bromwich Albion. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Scott Douglas McDonald (born 21 August 1983, Melbourne, Australia) is a professional football (soccer) player who currently plays in Scotland for Celtic as a striker. ... Motherwell Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Stevie Crawford was born in Dunfermline in 1974 and began his career with Raith Rovers in 1992. ... This article is about the Scottish football club. ... Dunfermline Athletic Football Club is a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. ... Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. ... Aberdeen Football Club are a football team from Aberdeen, Scotland, who compete in the Scottish Premier League. ... Dunfermline Athletic Football Club is a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... Christopher Roy Sutton (born 10 March 1973 in Nottingham, England) is an English former footballer. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Spain. ... Ignacio Javier Gómez Novo (born March 26, 1979 in Ferrol, Galicia, Spain), simply known as Nacho Novo, is a Galician professional football player who currently plays for Rangers. ... Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football team based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... William Dodds (born February 5, 1969 in New Cumnock, Ayrshire) is a Scottish professional footballer. ... Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Derek George Riordan (born 16 January 1983 in Edinburgh, Scotland) is a Scottish footballer currently employed by Scottish Premier League club Celtic F.C, having signed in the close season of 2006 from Hibernian F.C. // Riordan signed for Hibs in 2000 and made his debut the following year. ... This article is about the Scottish football club. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Bulgaria. ... Stilian Petrov (born July 5, 1979 in Montana, Bulgaria) is a Bulgarian football (soccer) player who plays for the Bulgarian national team as a midfielder, and also plays for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ...

SPL managers

The following is a list of the current managers in the SPL. The list is arranged chronologically by appointment. This is a list of Scottish Football League managers by date of appointment. ...

Manager Club Appointed
Flag of Scotland Jim Jefferies Kilmarnock February 28, 2002
Flag of Scotland John Hughes[56] Falkirk January 31, 2003
Flag of Scotland Gus MacPherson[56] St Mirren December 18, 2003
Flag of Scotland Jimmy Calderwood Aberdeen May 28, 2004
Flag of Scotland Gordon Strachan Celtic June 1, 2005
Flag of Scotland Billy Reid[56] Hamilton June 2, 2005
Flag of Scotland Craig Levein Dundee United October 30, 2006
Flag of Scotland Walter Smith Rangers January 10, 2007
Flag of Scotland Mark McGhee Motherwell June 18, 2007
Flag of Scotland Craig Brewster Inverness CT August 27, 2007
Flag of Finland Mixu Paatelainen Hibernian January 10, 2008
Flag of World Vacant Hearts

SPL season summary

Season Winner Runner-up Relegated Top Scorer PFA Player of the Year Writers' Player of the Year
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 Hearts 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 51 (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

Data accurate as at 8 December 2007 Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Jim Jefferies (born 1950 in Musselburgh, East Lothian) is the Scottish football manager of Kilmarnock F.C.. Also a former player, whose defensive versatility often counted against him in the attacking Hearts team in the 1970s, Jeffries has enjoyed considerably greater success as a manager than during his playing career. ... Kilmarnock Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. ... is the 59th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... John Hughes is a former Scottish professional footballer and is currently Manager of Falkirk. ... Falkirk Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Falkirk, playing in the Scottish Premier League after winning promotion from the Scottish First Division in season 2004/05. ... is the 31st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Gus MacPherson is the manager of St. ... Saint Mirren Football Club (usually referred to simply as St Mirren, or by the nicknames The Buddies or The Saints) are a Scottish football club based in the town of Paisley, Renfrewshire. ... is the 352nd day of the year (353rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Jimmy Calderwood (born 28 February 1955) is a former professional association footballer and current manager of Scottish club Aberdeen F.C.. His son is Scott Calderwood. ... Aberdeen Football Club are a football team from Aberdeen, Scotland, who compete in the Scottish Premier League. ... is the 148th day of the year (149th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Gordon David Strachan /strÉ”:n/ OBE (born 9 February 1957, in Edinburgh) is a retired Scottish football player, and is now a football manager. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... is the 152nd day of the year (153rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Billy Reid is a Scottish former footballer and is currently manager of Scottish Football League club Hamilton Academical. ... Hamilton Academical is a football club from Hamilton, Scotland. ... is the 153rd day of the year (154th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Craig William Levein (born 22 October 1964 in Dunfermline) is a Scottish former professional footballer and current football manager and Director of Football. ... Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. ... is the 303rd day of the year (304th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... is the 10th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Mark Edward McGhee (born 25 May 1957 in Glasgow, Scotland) is a former professional footballer and current manager of Scottish club Motherwell. ... Motherwell Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... Craig James Brewster (born 13 December 1966) is a Scottish professional footballer and manager. ... Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the city of Inverness. ... is the 239th day of the year (240th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Finland. ... Mika-Matti Mixu Paatelainen (born February 3, 1967 in Helsinki) is a Finnish football player and manager. ... This article is about the Scottish football club. ... is the 10th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Newworldmap. ... Heart of Midlothian F.C. (most commonly referred to as Hearts) are a professional football club and are a football team in Edinburgh, Scotland who play in the Scottish Premier League. ... The 2007-08 Scottish Premier League season is the tenth season of the Scottish Premier League. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Gretna Football Club is a Scottish football club from Gretna, near Annan, Dumfries and Galloway and promoted to the Scottish Premier League in the 06/07 season. ... Scott Douglas McDonald (born 21 August 1983, Melbourne, Australia) is a professional football (soccer) player who currently plays in Scotland for Celtic as a striker. ... Aiden McGeady (born April 4, 1986 in Glasgow) is a Scottish professional football player. ... 2006-07 was the ninth season of the Scottish Premier League football. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Dunfermline Athletic Football Club is a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. ... Kris Boyd (born August 18, 1983 in Irvine[1]) is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing for Rangers in the Scottish Premier League. ... Shunsuke Nakamura , born June 24, 1978) is a Japanese football player who currently plays for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. ... Shunsuke Nakamura , born June 24, 1978) is a Japanese football player who currently plays for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. ... The 2005-06 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... Heart of Midlothian F.C. (most commonly referred to as Hearts) are a professional football club and are a football team in Edinburgh, Scotland who play in the Scottish Premier League. ... Original Livingston FC club badge. ... Kris Boyd (born August 18, 1983 in Irvine[1]) is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing for Rangers in the Scottish Premier League. ... Shaun Richard Maloney was born in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia on January 24, 1983, and is a Scottish international footballer currently playing for English Premiership club Aston Villa. ... Craig Sinclair Gordon (born 31 December 1982 in Edinburgh) is a Scottish professional footballer, currently a goalkeeper for both Sunderland and the Scotland national team. ... The 2004-05 Scottish Premier League was won by Rangers. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... Dundee Football Club, founded in 1893, are a football team based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. ... John Hartson (born April 5, 1975, in Swansea, Wales) is a professional footballer,currently playing for Norwich City on loan from West Bromwich Albion. ... John Hartson (born April 5, 1975, in Swansea, Wales) is a professional footballer,currently playing for Norwich City on loan from West Bromwich Albion. ... Fernando Ricksen (born July 20, 1976) is a Dutch defender/Midfielder who currently plays for Zenit St Petersburg. ... John Hartson (born April 5, 1975, in Swansea, Wales) is a professional footballer,currently playing for Norwich City on loan from West Bromwich Albion. ... The 2003-04 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Partick Thistle Football Club is a Scottish professional football club from the city of Glasgow. ... This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... Christopher Roy Sutton (born 10 March 1973 in Nottingham, England) is an English former footballer. ... John Jackie McNamara, Jr. ... The 2002-03 Scottish Premier League was won by Rangers. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... Barry Ferguson, MBE (born February 2, 1978 in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays in midfield. ... Barry Ferguson, MBE (born February 2, 1978 in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays in midfield. ... The 2001-02 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... St. ... This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... Lorenzo Pier Luigi Amoruso (born June 28, 1971 in Bari, Italy) is an Italian football defender who is currently without a club. ... Paul Lambert (born August 7, 1969) is a Scottish former footballer and football manager. ... The 2000-01 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic. ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Saint Mirren Football Club (usually referred to simply as St Mirren, or by the nicknames The Buddies or The Saints) are a Scottish football club based in the town of Paisley, Renfrewshire. ... This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... Marko Anthony Mark Viduka (IPA: ) (born October 9, 1975 in Melbourne) is an Australian football striker of Croatian descent. ... Marko Anthony Mark Viduka (IPA: ) (born October 9, 1975 in Melbourne) is an Australian football striker of Croatian descent. ... Barry Ferguson, MBE (born February 2, 1978 in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays in midfield. ... For other uses, see Rangers F.C. (disambiguation). ... Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. ... Dunfermline Athletic Football Club is a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. ... This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... This article is about the Swedish footballer. ... is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

  • Most goals in a season: Celtic, 105 goals, 2003/04[57]
  • Most points in one season: Celtic, 103 points, 2001/02[57]
  • Fewest points in a season: Gretna, 13 points, 2007/08[57]
  • Fewest goals conceded in one season: Celtic, 28 goals, 2001/02[57]
  • Most goals conceded in a season: Aberdeen, 83 goals, 1999/00[57]
  • Biggest goal difference in a season: Celtic, 70, 2003/04[57]
  • Biggest home win: Celtic 7-0 Aberdeen (1999/00 and 2002/03); Hibernian 7-0 Livingston (2005/06)[57]
  • Biggest away win: St. Johnstone 0-7 Rangers (1998/99); Dunfermline Athletic 1-8 Celtic (2005/06)[57]
  • Highest scoring match: Motherwell 5-6 Aberdeen (1999/2000)[57]
  • Most away wins in a season: Celtic, 13, 2000/2001[57]
  • Fewest away wins in a season: Dunfermline, 0, 1998/1999[57]
  • Most away defeats in a season: Livingston, 16, 2005/2006[57]
  • Fewest home defeats in a season: Celtic, 0, 2001/2002[57]
  • Top goalscorer in any one season: Henrik Larsson, 51 goals, 2000/01 Celtic[57]
  • Player with most hat-tricks: Henrik Larsson, 12, 1998-2004[57]
  • Top goalscorer in any one game: Kenny Miller, 5, 4/11/2000, Rangers v St Mirren; Kris Boyd, 5, 25/9/2004, Kilmarnock v Dundee Utd[57]
  • Youngest player: Scott Robinson, for Hearts vs Inverness CT, 16 years 1 months and 14 days, 26 April 2008[58]
  • Highest average attendance: 59,369, Celtic, 2000-01[59]
  • Lowest average attendance: 2,283, Gretna, 2007-08[59]

References

  1. ^ Clydesdale is SPL's new sponsor. BBC Sport. Retrieved on 2007-06-01.
  2. ^ UEFA Country Ranking 2008. UEFA. Retrieved on 2007-07-04.
  3. ^ Jonathan Coates. "Falkirk lose out as SPL closes ranks and denies them place", The Scotsman, 2003-05-24. Retrieved on 2008-03-26. 
  4. ^ "Inverness win SPL vote", BBC Sport, 2004-06-22. Retrieved on 2008-03-26. 
  5. ^ a b "Inverness are homeward bound", BBC Sport, 2004-12-07. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  6. ^ "Clydesdale in SPL sponsor talks", BBC Sport website, October 11, 2006. 
  7. ^ "Clydesdale are new SPL sponsors", BBC Sport website, October 19, 2006. 
  8. ^ a b c d "SPL stand by their split decision", Sunday Herald, 1999-08-08. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  9. ^ a b "SPL praises Euro performances", BBC Sport, 2008-03-22. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  10. ^ "Porto end Celtic's Uefa dream", BBC Sport, 2003-05-21. Retrieved on 2008-05-09. 
  11. ^ "Rangers 1-1 Inter Milan", BBC Sport, 2005-12-06. Retrieved on 2008-05-09. 
  12. ^ "Celtic 1-0 Man Utd", BBC Sport, 2006-11-21. Retrieved on 2008-05-09. 
  13. ^ "AC Milan 1-0 Celtic", BBC Sport, 2007-12-04. Retrieved on 2008-05-09. 
  14. ^ "Calderwood aims to end 37 years of Scottish hurt in Europe", The Guardian, 2008-05-09. Retrieved on 2007-12-20. 
  15. ^ "Uefa Cup final - Zenit 2-0 Rangers", BBC Sport, 2008-05-14. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 
  16. ^ "The SPL split makes no sense, insists Levein SPL split is a nonsense, insists Craig", Daily Mail, 2007-04-07. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  17. ^ "Smith in blast at SPL split decision", Daily Mail, 2007-04-21. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  18. ^ "JEFFERIES WANTS A NEW-LOOK LEAGUE", Sporting Life. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  19. ^ "Dutch resurrect Atlantic League", BBC Sport, 2002-04-24. Retrieved on 2008-03-26. 
  20. ^ "Blatter opposes Old Firm switch", BBC Sport, 2008-03-07. Retrieved on 2008-03-26. 
  21. ^ "Old Firm urged to talk", BBC Sport, 2002-05-12. Retrieved on 2008-03-26. 
  22. ^ "Levein wants Old Firm kicked out", BBC Sport, 2002-04-07. Retrieved on 2008-03-26. 
  23. ^ "Fifa writes off Old Firm hopes", BBC Sport, 2001-07-30. Retrieved on 2008-03-26. 
  24. ^ a b c "McLeish berates SPL", BBC Sport, 2003-03-25. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  25. ^ "Football: BRING BACK BREAK", Daily Mirror, 2005-06-12. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  26. ^ a b "SPL face fresh criticism over under-21 rule", Telegraph, 2007-08-17. 
  27. ^ "FAQs", SPL official website. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  28. ^ "Flo goes to Rangers", BBC Sport, 2000-11-23. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  29. ^ "Gordon completes Sunderland move", BBC Sport, 2007-08-08. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  30. ^ "Spurs complete signing of Hutton", BBC Sport, 2007-01-30. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  31. ^ "Celtic win race for Hibs' Brown", BBC Sport, 2007-05-15. Retrieved on 2008-03-22. 
  32. ^ a b c d e "Dark days ahead for debt-ridden Scottish clubs", Telegraph, 2004-02-13. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  33. ^ "SPL posts record losses", BBC Sport, 2003-09-23. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  34. ^ "Livi in administration", BBC Sport, 2004-02-03. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  35. ^ "Pars players face wage cuts", BBC Sport, 2003-12-02. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  36. ^ "Rangers to raise £57m", BBC Sport, 2004-09-01. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  37. ^ "Report shows football cash divide", BBC Sport, 2004-06-04. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  38. ^ "'Well end administration", BBC Sport, 2004-04-20. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  39. ^ "Dundee to enter new era", BBC Sport, 2004-08-05. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  40. ^ "Livingston out of administration", BBC Sport, 2005-05-13. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  41. ^ a b "SPL continues economic recovery", BBC Sport, 2006-10-03. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  42. ^ a b "Hearts buck debt reduction trend", BBC Sport, 2007-08-15. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  43. ^ "Gretna edging closer to closure", BBC Sport, 2008-03-13. Retrieved on 2008-03-25. 
  44. ^ "FANS GET A TELLYFUL; SPL set to launch its own TV station as Sky switch off", Daily Record, 2002-01-16. Retrieved on 2008-03-23. 
  45. ^ "Old Firm scupper SPL TV", BBC Sport, 2002-04-08. Retrieved on 2008-03-23. 
  46. ^ "Scottish league faces collapse", BBC Sport, 2002-04-16. Retrieved on 2008-03-23. 
  47. ^ "SPL signs BBC deal", BBC Sport, 2002-07-31. Retrieved on 2008-03-27. 
  48. ^ "Scottish clubs quit SPL", BBC Sport, 2002-08-01. Retrieved on 2008-03-23. 
  49. ^ "SPL ends internal strife", BBC Sport, 2003-01-22. Retrieved on 2008-03-23. 
  50. ^ "Setanta wins SPL TV deal", BBC Sport, 2004-02-26. Retrieved on 2008-03-23. 
  51. ^ "BBC welcomes radio deal", BBC Sport, 2004-02-26. Retrieved on 2008-03-23. 
  52. ^ "BBC scores Scottish winner", BBC Sport, 2000-06-14. Retrieved on 2008-03-23. 
  53. ^ SPL All time records ScotPrem.co.uk, 22 March 2008
  54. ^ Clubs only include those where players scored goals
  55. ^ Some sources incorrectly state he scored 64 goals for Kilmarnock
  56. ^ a b c Manager was appointed when club was playing in the Scottish Football League
  57. ^ 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 on 2008-04-07. 
  58. ^ Will you see history be made today? | Hearts | News | Hearts News | Hearts News
  59. ^ a b c d "SPL statistics", ScotPrem.co.uk. Retrieved on 2008-04-07. 

See also

External links


  Results from FactBites:
 
Scottish Premier League ~ Watch Live Football Article (785 words)
The Scottish Football League had two divisions (division one and division two) which clubs were relegated and promoted at the end of the season.
A new league structure which starts in 2008-09, which was proposed by Scottish Premier League chairman, announced he would like to create an "SPL2".
The top club from the Scottish First Division is promoted to the Scottish Premier League, providing they meet certain criteria about their stadium.
Scottish Premier League - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (738 words)
The Scottish Premier League (full name Bank of Scotland Premierleague, or the SPL for short) is the top division within the current structure of Scottish football.
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.
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.
  More results at FactBites »


 

COMMENTARY     


Share your thoughts, questions and commentary here
Your name
Your comments
Please enter the 5-letter protection code

Want to know more?
Search encyclopedia, statistics and forums:

 


Lesson Plans | Student Area | Student FAQ | Reviews | Press Releases |  Feeds | Contact
The Wikipedia article included on this page is licensed under the GFDL.
Images may be subject to relevant owners' copyright.
All other elements are (c) copyright NationMaster.com 2003-5. All Rights Reserved.
Usage implies agreement with terms.