SCOTTISH GAME CAN’T COMPETE

WHEn Celtic were looking for a manager in 2000, they took the guy at Leicester. Martin O’neill behaved impeccably, letting his contract expire rather than walking out, but there is no doubt Leicester wanted to keep him.

Two decades later and Leicester can simply pluck their new manager from Celtic, under contract and mid-season. This is not to disparage Brendan Rodgers’ (below) decision or behaviour, but to highlight the sadly waning significance of Scottish football.

not even the presence of Steven Gerrard at Rangers has altered the perception that it remains an uncompetitive league, with Celtic eight points clear going for their eighth title in a row.

The reason even a midtable Premier League team is now considered a better career option than one of the most storied names in British football, is because the Premier League is viewed as hugely spirited and open, with at least six teams who see themselves as potential champions.

It nearly wasn’t like that. Indeed, prior to the arrival of major foreign investment, there was a time when the Premier League risked going the way of Scotland, as just two clubs shared nine consecutive titles. It was in this era that Celtic could take Leicester’s manager.

Fortunately, the competitive balance changed. Thank you, oil money.