Ok there has long been an argument that outwith the SPL there is very
little money and tightening of purse strings for other football clubs;
yesterday was a great illustration of this.
It was
fourth round of the Scottish Cup the day the big boys come into the
competition. Seven games were postponed due to unplayable pitches due to
a heavy, yet predicted frost, overnight. None of these games involved
SPL grounds but three did involve grounds which meet the SPL requirement
for undersoil heating. McDiarmid Park, Firhill and Almondvale homes of
St Johnstone, Partick Thistle and my own Livingston.
While Partick blame
the SRU (Scottish Rugby Union) groundsman who was looking after the
Glasgow Warriors. However, seeing as the Warriors were over in Italy on
Friday night I have no idea why the SRU groundsman would have control of
the ground and the undersoil heating at that time.
What
is far more likely is the widening gap in wealth between the top 12 and
the rest of Scottish football. Already Livingston have not produced a
Match Day Programme for their previous home cup ties against Ayr in the
CIS cup and Alloa in the last round of the Scottish Cup, the same was to
apply to yesterday's game against Cowdenbeath. The reason being cited
is due to the smaller print run the normal special price would not apply
and therefore it would run at a loss. It is a shame that many fans
myself included are looking at a gap in out programme collections for
this season. If we get through and host First Division in the shape of
either Partick or Dunfermline will
this policy change and give us possibly our first home Cup MTP on the
4th time of asking this season, as we would have been and will be
producing them for these teams league visits to our ground.
The
fact that three grounds that have adequate undersoil heating were
unable to stage games last night is not a reason to have a winter break
as across Glasgow from Firhill, Celtic pitch was playable with undersoil
heating turned on, and nearby Falkirk, Hearts and Hibernian hosted a
game while Livingston could not, and the weather was hardly any better
in Edinburgh than West Lothian as I sampled both. Now it is probably
purely down to money and cast saving that these games were off. The SPL
can fine clubs for postponement but the SFA cannot due to the disparagee
in facilities. For example Huntly and Cove Rangers in the Highland
League can not be expected to be up to the same standard of pitch as the
SPL sides.
The SPL has long been nicknamed the Self
Preservation League here in Scotland and with just cause. Only one team
from twelve each year will ever be relegated from this cash machine,
whereas the ten team SFL leagues have one automatic relegation spot plus
the perils of playoffs for the team just above. Needing to come through
two 2-legged ties to remain in the same flight the following season.
The financing of the leagues outwith the top flight is clearly what
needs to be looked at more than rearranging season dates, of course the
Turkeys in the SPL will never vote for a more egalitarian Christmas for
everyone.
13 January 2008
5 January 2008
That's More Like it
9th October 2001 was the last time before today. As I wasn't that
frequent an attender at Almondvale then let alone a trip to Pittodrie
which is where Livingston last scored 6 in a match.
One player appeared on both occasions. Scott McCulloch came on as a sub for Livi back in 2001 but was today again wearing yellow this time that of Morton's change strip.
I know I started a chant for 6 goals a couple of weeks ago, but somehow my chant of 'six nil we're gonna win six nil' had less effect today, thankfully. It probably would have been 6-0 as well except for a late penalty decision that confounded all the home fans none of whom saw the alledged handball that led to Morton's third chance on goal.
However, our cheeky shouts of we want six deserved a cheeky third goal which came courtesy of Leigh Griffiths one of the under 19 stars. Who broke the last defender with a somewaht lucky rebound off the defenders knee to his thigh then charging down on the keeper who came out but was smoothly rounded. The calmly slotted the ball in te ball into the onion bag.
My Jekyll and Hyde football team produced the good Doctor today after a somewhat disillusional festive period. Hope this leads to another run of good form, although some players have left and others are leaving.
One player appeared on both occasions. Scott McCulloch came on as a sub for Livi back in 2001 but was today again wearing yellow this time that of Morton's change strip.
I know I started a chant for 6 goals a couple of weeks ago, but somehow my chant of 'six nil we're gonna win six nil' had less effect today, thankfully. It probably would have been 6-0 as well except for a late penalty decision that confounded all the home fans none of whom saw the alledged handball that led to Morton's third chance on goal.
However, our cheeky shouts of we want six deserved a cheeky third goal which came courtesy of Leigh Griffiths one of the under 19 stars. Who broke the last defender with a somewaht lucky rebound off the defenders knee to his thigh then charging down on the keeper who came out but was smoothly rounded. The calmly slotted the ball in te ball into the onion bag.
My Jekyll and Hyde football team produced the good Doctor today after a somewhat disillusional festive period. Hope this leads to another run of good form, although some players have left and others are leaving.
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