Fletch: We need to sell fantastic product better
Former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher says Old Firm games are going down a storm in England.
He reckons the Scottish game is not promoted properly and believes he could do a good job marketing football from north of the border.
The 36-year-old said: “I’m a big fan of Scottish football.
“I think it’s a fantastic product but we don’t sell it well enough.
“I want the Scotland national team to do well and I want Scottish football to thrive.
“It’s different, it’s a bit more physical and people like that. It’s a throwback.
“I know people who enjoyed the Old Firm games more than anything else this season.
“The response to those matches in England was unbelievable
“They loved the aggression, they loved the atmosphere, they loved that there was no VAR, they loved everything about it.
“People found it refreshing and so do I. I like the tackling and the fact there’s a little more physical contact.
“That’s not to say the quality isn’t there because it is.
“I think it’s a breath of fresh air watching it and there’s an opportunity we should be trying to tap into by showing what we’re all about.
“We should have safe standing and doing lots of things better.
“There are experiments we could be doing to make it attractive to the rest of the world.”
Fletcher, who hasn’t officially retired as a player or decided to pursue a career in coaching didn’t discount working to help promote the game in Scotland.
He said: “I’d be all over it.
“It’s not something I’ve ever thought about, but I care for Scottish football.
“The national team is most important for me. But I know the success of the league helps with young players coming through and making things better about the country’s game.
“Generating more money helps to bring through great Scottish players.”
The ex-manchester United midfielder admitted he has affection for both sides of the Old Firm.
He added: “I grew up a Celtic fan but I spent more time playing with Rangers and loved being around their youth set-up.
“If I had signed for a Scottish club, it would more than likely have been Rangers.
“If it came to it, I would say I’m a Celtic fan but I loved seeing Rangers doing so well in Europe.
“Having been in England for so long, I’m probably a Manchester United fan more than anything.