Biggest blow in a year of lows wasn’t on the park. It was the supporters being locked out (apart from George Galloway)
20/20 VISIOn? a look back at this column exactly a year ago and you could be forgiven for thinking the perception of yours truly had been touched by 20/20 all right – of the alcopop variety.
The message was drunk on New Year merriment, boasting: “There’s a chance this could be the greatest year Scottish football has seen in a generation, if not longer.”
Twelve months on and that outlook has dated as well as the desk calendar in the office that’ll still be stuck on March.
In a nutshell, 2020 can be scrunched up and lobbed in the bin along with the Hogmanay empties.
Who could have forecast the nine months of Covid- 19 carnage, the end-of-season wrangling, title quarrels, relegation lawsuits and financial chaos that threatened to bring our game to its knees.
Yet for me the biggest blow in a year of lows wasn’t on the park or to the bank balance.
It was felt on the deserted terraces and stands right across the country. The gates remaining locked to fans (George Galloway excluded if the ex-MP can make his mind up who he supports) brought home the vital part punters play in the professional game.
The novelty of hearing every word coming from the dugout wore off a long time ago.
The memory of a packed ground echoing with two sets of passionate supports is sadly wearing away too.
Yet even while being starved of the very thing that stokes their passion, diehard followers of sides from Brora to Berwick have remained central to their clubs surviving the most turbulent year on record.
Tens of thousands forking out hundreds for season tickets in the knowledge they’ll most likely never set foot in their ground all season. That generosity and passion is deserving of recognition and reward. What better then than another mighty blast of new year expectation?
In that ropey message a year back there were thankfully some hopes and dreams that came brilliantly, beautifully, boogieingly true.
Just ask any Tartan Army footsoldier.
After two decades of gathering air miles like superstore points without a hint of reward, it’s ironic just as their travels were brought to an abrupt halt the national team took the handbrake off and delivered what we’ve all longed for so painfully.
A place at a major tourney, this summer’s delayed
European Championship. And surely Group D offers our greatest chance of progressing with two of the three matches at Hampden.
Croatia? Never lost to them. Czech Republic? Check the last two meetings in the Nations League. And that mob at Wembley? Bring it on.
Domestically, even the most ardent non-Old Firm fan cannot help but be enticed by tomorrow’s derby and its meaning for this season.
Either way, the Premiership title is going to deliver a story which will go down in folklore.
Just as certain is that Celtic’s domestic dominance will finally come to an end with the next award of silverware.
Fans of Hibs, St Johnstone, e, Livingston and St Mirren are e already dreaming of lifting the e Betfred Cup next month.
On the continent, there’s s positive news too.
A charge up the coefficient charts thanks to the solid work of Rangers and Celtic means Scotland can look forward to two clubs in the Champions League qualifiers next season. Not that Gers’ work on foreign soil is finished.
Steven Gerrard’s side have looked almost invincible on their travels.
A Europa League last-32 meeting with Royal Antwerp provides a strong chance to at least match the 2019-20 appearance in the last 16.
So forgive my optimism. It just feels a helluva lot better than what so much of the past 10 months has provided.
For every supporter up and down Scotland, I wish you a Happy New Year.
This scribbler’s hope is that we see you all back inside our stadiums in the not too distant future.