Will the cross -party agreement that a Regulator is required survive the realisation that the first task of such a body would be to review and then dismantle the Glasgow Duopoly?
I fear not.
I have been complaining for years about this two-club domination, including directly to the First Minister – but the response has been muted.
Has the Scottish Government got the bottle to support a challenge to what is still effectively the Old Firm, despite Rangers troubles in 2012?
I hope so.
Two names have “owned” the Scottish Premiership for 37 seasons.
No other league structure on the planet has been dominated to this extent.
It is a unique situation.
In previous articles on this website, I have identified potential changes which could help end the duopoly.
I have also made clear that 37 must not be allowed to exceed 40. I am sure many Scottish football supporters will have a similar “line in the sand” in their minds.
So the current situation must be changed by season 2026/27.
I fervently hope a challenge on the field of play knocks the Old Firm off their perch in the next four seasons.
On the evidence of last season, Hearts appear to be by far the most likely challengers – and Robbie Neilson deserves the time to try to make the “dream” of winning the Premiership a reality.
However, even Hearts winning the Premiership in the next few seasons is unlikely to be enough to permanently end the dominance of the duopoly. Structural changes will in all probability be required to achieve the required permanent change.
So let’s see what happens over the next months and years.
I will certainly fully engage with an Independent Regulator, should one be created.
I would urge all those who truly care about Scottish football to do the same.
Why?
Because it’s
TIME FOR CHANGE.
Scottish Football Matters 