Though not spending much money on signings in recent transfer windows, Rangers have kept together a good squad.
To win a European tournament, which I expect Rangers to do tomorrow, would be a wonderful achievement.
So both Rangers and Celtic go marching off into the Champions League next season, each eyeing up European earnings of £30 million plus.
Meantime, no other club in Scotland has total annual revenue of more than £12 million, from ticket sales and other activities - and most of the clubs in the Premiership get nowhere near even that low figure.
Only three clubs outside Glasgow average attendances of more than 8,000 at their home matches.
The financial disparity is the main reason that nine clubs in the Premiership will finish 40 points or more behind what many still call the Old Firm.
Most commentators don’t see the Glasgow duopoly ever ending – and after 37 seasons of two name domination, that is a sane assessment of the situation.
At the moment the only club that appears to have the slightest chance of offering a genuine challenge to Celtic and Rangers is Hearts.
With the Foundation structure, some wealthy benefactors, European revenue to come in next season and an excellent manager and sports director in place, there is a glimmer of hope that Hearts can grow strong enough to seriously concern the clubs in the West.
Make no mistake, the current decent squad needs to be further strengthened.
Robbie Neilson and Joe Savage know what is required.
The club MUST make maximum resources available to support the management team.
There is no choice.
37 years of hurt must not be allowed to exceed 40.
Should Hearts – or another club – fail to break the duopoly by season 2025/26, action will be required away from the field of play to restore genuine competition to the Scottish Premiership.
I fervently hope that is not necessary.
Time for Change.
Scottish Football Matters 