That was the phrase applied to USA - USSR during the cold war but I believe the same (OK destruction is OTT - let's replace that with "apathy") applies here. If we go out of business then celts will (understandably) get some serious mileage out of this but my guess is within a year the decline in attendances will start, the telly deal will eventually be canned and it will be the beginning of the end for Scottish Football as we know it.
Your average Celtic fan is as much defined by their love of their team as they are their hate/dislike of Rangers (50-50 I'd say). The only thing keeping the interest alive is our rivalry, take that away and what's left - certainly not europe!
Not that I'm expecting sympathy - far from it! It may be good for Scottish society however ie apathy, lessening of tensions/hate etc. Every cloud...
Mutually assured destruction...
posted on 14/2/12
[If rangers were to become a pheonix club] it is expected that a three year points penalty, in the region of 15 points per season, would be pushed for....the three year period would be in line with the probability a new Rangers would not be allowed to play European football for three years.
The Scotsman
posted on 14/2/12
and it will be the beginning of the end for Scottish Football as we know it.
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Oh dear
posted on 14/2/12
Avenger, where is this enlightened and more liberal Utopia you speak of?
Not 'round 'ere, squire.
posted on 14/2/12
Quebec/Lex - your "interpretation" of my post simply proves my point!
What I didn't say but what I do hold to be true is we're just the same - if the shoe was on the other foot it would be no different.
I didn't say Celtic would go out of business - far from - but without serious competition, interest will quickly wane (just my opinion mind).
posted on 14/2/12
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 14/2/12
"Avenger, where is this enlightened and more liberal Utopia you speak of?
Not 'round 'ere, squire."
Aye obviously
posted on 14/2/12
But if Rangers go out of business what can Celtic do about it. The fact is, Rangers did this to themselves, nothing to do with Celtic. So if there is an SPL without Rangers, we'll just have to get on with it whether attendancies, sponsorship and TV money fall.
Our board have pre-empted your possible demise and have put plans in place to ensure Celtic can prosper without Rangers in the league.
posted on 14/2/12
Lex - are you really that bitter you can't stop putting words into my mouth? Love for the club won't be enough to keep Celtic at their current level - without competition (and there won't be one) interest will quickly decline - that's what happens when a team runs away with the league - the leaders and losers attendances fall. If you're happy with that then fair enough but you'll soon be longing for the "good ol days" when your hate subsides. Be careful what you wish for.
You seem to be intimating that the above happening would provide me some solace - I wish!
posted on 14/2/12
Celtic do not need Rangers.
We will not plead your corner, so stop trying.
No pity for us in the 90s. It's payback.
posted on 14/2/12
The OP has a fantastic point. The SPL will be dead, if it already isn't. Every year it's Celtic or Rangers, but if it's just every year Celtic, how boring will that be? Sky will not pay for a new deal.