Scottish Premier League 226426 226096544 2008-07-16T20:26:00Z Franky843 6369440 /* Television */ {{Infobox football league | logo = clydesdale premier league.PNG|logo|200px | pixels = | country = Scotland | confed = UEFA | | founded = 1998 | divisions = 1 | teams = 12 | relegation = [[Scottish Football League First Division|First Division]] | levels = | | domest_cup = [[Scottish Cup]]<br>[[Scottish League Cup|League Cup]] | confed_cup = [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]]<br>[[UEFA Cup]]<br>[[UEFA Intertoto Cup|Intertoto Cup]] | | champions = [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] | season = [[Scottish Premier League 2007-08|2007–08]] | | website = http://www.scotprem.com/ | current = [[Scottish Premier League 2007-08|2007–08 season]] }} The '''Scottish Premier League''', currently known as the '''Clydesdale Bank Premier League''' for sponsorship reasons and often known as the '''Scottish Premier League, Premier League''' or '''SPL ''' is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top level of the [[Scottish football league system]] &mdash; above the [[Scottish Football League]]. Per capita, more people in [[Scotland]] watch their domestic top level league than any other nation in Europe.<ref>{{cite web | title=Clydesdale is SPL's new sponsor | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6066692.stm | publisher=BBC Sport | accessdate=2007-06-01}}</ref> The Scottish Premier League is currently ranked tenth in the [[UEFA]] rankings of European leagues, which are based on the performances of member clubs in European competitions.<ref>{{cite web | title=UEFA Country Ranking 2008 | url= http://www.xs4all.nl/~kassiesa/bert/uefa/data/method3/crank2008.html | publisher=UEFA | accessdate=2007-07-04}}</ref> A total of 17 clubs have competed in the SPL since its inauguration in [[Scottish Premier League 1998-99|1998-99]], but only two have won the title: the [[Old Firm]] of [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] (six) and [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] (four). ==History== ===Prior to 1998/99=== Previously, the [[Scottish Football League]] had a two divisional structure (Divisions One and Two) between which clubs were [[Promotion and relegation|promoted and relegated]] at the end of each season. However, by the mid 1970s, this organisation was perceived to be stagnant, and it was decided to split into a three divisional structure: [[Scottish Football League Premier Division|Premier Division]] (formerly Division One), [[Scottish Football League First Division|First Division]] (formerly Division Two) and a newly added [[Scottish Football League Second Division|Second Division]]. This system came into force for the [[1975-76 in Scottish football|1975-76 season]]. This setup continued until the [[1994-95 in Scottish football|1994-95 season]], when a four divisional structure was introduced, along with a new [[Scottish Football League Third Division|Third Division]], with all divisions comprising of ten clubs. ===Formation of the SPL=== In 1998, the football clubs in the Premier Division decided to split from the Scottish Football League and form the Scottish Premier League, following [[Premier League|an earlier example]] in [[England]], which came into force during the [[1992-93 in English football|1992-93 season]]. This decision was fuelled by a desire by the top clubs in Scotland to retain more of the revenue generated by the game. Originally, league sponsorship money was divided proportionally between clubs in all four divisions; after the SPL was formed, this was no longer the case. Originally the SPL contained 10 clubs, but it subsequently enlarged to 12 for the [[2000-01 in Scottish football|2000-01 season]] onwards. The increase from 10 clubs to 12 was part of the deal offered to obtain approval from SFL member clubs. Since then, the SPL has operated a "split league format" to prevent the need for a 44-game schedule, which was once used in the Scottish Premier Division, but is now considered to be too high a number of games in a league season. Under this system, after 33 games (i.e., when every club has played every other club three times, either twice away and once at home, or vice-versa), the division is split into two halves, and clubs play a further five matches, against the teams in their half of the division, taking their total to 38 games. This can (and often does) result in the team placed seventh having a higher points total than the team placed sixth, because their final five games are considerably easier. In the [[Scottish Premier League 2005-06|2005/2006 season]], the seventh placed club, [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]], gained more points than the fourth placed club [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]]. ===Promotion and relegation=== Providing they meet certain criteria regarding their stadium, the top club from the Scottish First Division is promoted to the SPL, with the 12th-placed SPL club relegated. In 2003, the league's promotion criteria caused controversy as the chairmen of the member clubs voted against [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]]'s proposed ground share with [[Airdrie United F.C.|Airdrie United]] and stopped the club from having the 10,000 fan stadium capacity it required, thus saving [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] from relegation.<ref name="Falkirk lose out as SPL closes ranks and denies them place">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/spl/Falkirk-lose-out-as-SPL.2430042.jp|publisher=[[The Scotsman]]|title=Falkirk lose out as SPL closes ranks and denies them place||author=Jonathan Coates|date=[[2003-05-24]]|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref> The same situation nearly materialised in 2004, but after several votes and discussion, including threats of court cases from [[Partick Thistle]], the team then threatened with prospect of relegation, [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]] were finally allowed promotion provided that they groundshared with north rivals [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] at [[Pittodrie]], <ref name="Inverness win SPL vote">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/i/inverness_ct/3828873.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Inverness win SPL vote|date=[[2004-06-22]]|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref> a ground over 100 miles (160 km) away. In 2005, the stadium size criterion for entry to the SPL was reduced to 6,000, <ref name="Inverness are homeward bound">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/i/inverness_ct/4076125.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Inverness are homeward bound|date=[[2004-12-07]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> thereby allowing Inverness Caledonian Thistle to return to their home stadium during the [[Scottish Premier League 2005-06|2005-06 season]].<ref name="Inverness are homeward bound"/> ===Sponsorship=== The [[Bank of Scotland]], who had sponsored the league since March 1999 (The League was unsponsored for most of the [[1998-99 in Scottish football|inaugural season]]), did not renew their sponsorship at the end of the [[2006-07 in Scottish football|2006-07 season]]. Talks began with [[Clydesdale Bank]],<ref name="bank">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6040794.stm|publisher=BBC Sport website|title=Clydesdale in SPL sponsor talks|date=[[October 11]], [[2006]]}}</ref> and a deal was confirmed shortly afterwards. A four-year deal for £8m came into effect from July 2007.<ref name="clydesdale">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6066692.stm|publisher=BBC Sport website|title=Clydesdale are new SPL sponsors|date=[[October 19]], [[2006]]}}</ref> ==Competition format== ===Competition=== [[Image:Edinburgh Derby 2006.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Hearts take on Hibernian in the [[Edinburgh Derby]] in December 2006.]] There are currently twelve clubs in the Scottish Premier League. Teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. Teams are ranked by total points, then [[goal difference]], and then goals scored. At the end of each season, the club with the most points is crowned champion. If points are equal, the goal difference and then goals scored determine the winner. During the course of a season, which runs from August until May, each club plays the others at least three times, either once at home and twice away or vice-versa. After this first phase of matches, by which time all clubs will have played 33 games, the league splits into a 'top six' and a 'bottom six'. Each club then plays a further five matches against the other five teams in their own section. Points achieved during the first phase of 33 matches are carried forward to the second phase, but the teams will compete only within their own sections during the second phase. After the first phase has been completed, clubs cannot move outwith their own section in the league, even if they achieve more or fewer points than a higher or lower ranked team, respectively. At the beginning of each season, the Scottish Premier League 'predict' the likely positions of each club in order to produce a fixture schedule which will ensure the best possible chance of each club playing each other twice at home and twice away. This is known as the league seedings and are based on clubs' performance in previous years.<ref name="SPL stand by their split decision">{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_19990808/ai_n13940102/pg_1|publisher=[[Sunday Herald]]|title=SPL stand by their split decision|date=[[1999-08-08]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> However, should a club predicted to finish in the top six finish in the bottom six, they face the possibility of playing more games away from home than at home or vice-versa.<ref name="SPL stand by their split decision"/> This, in turn, has a knock-on effect on the top-six with an imbalance of fixtures resulting, for example one club may play one team three times at home and once away.<ref name="SPL stand by their split decision"/> The bottom placed SPL club are relegated, and swap places with the winner of the [[Scottish Football League First Division|Scottish First Division]], provided that the winner satisfies the league's entry criteria. ===European qualification=== [[Image:Barcelona vs Rangers 2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Rangers playing [[FC Barcelona]] at the [[Camp Nou]] in the [[UEFA Champions League 2007-08|2007&ndash;08 Champions League]].]] The Scottish Premier League is currently tenth in UEFA's [[UEFA coefficients|coefficient ranking]], meaning that two SPL clubs currently qualify for the [[UEFA Champions League]] (the first and second placed clubs) as well as two qualifying for the [[UEFA Cup]] (third placed club and the [[Scottish Cup]] winner). If the winner of the Scottish Cup has already qualified for Europe via their league position, the UEFA Cup place is allocated to the runner-up. If both Scottish Cup final representitives have qualified for Europe via their league position, the final UEFA Cup place is given the SPL's fourth placed club. Clubs also have the opportunity to apply for qualification to the [[UEFA Intertoto Cup]], which is given to the highest placed applicant, although only two clubs have chosen to play in the tournament since the SPL's inception in 1998/99 (Dundee in [[UEFA Intertoto Cup 2001|2001]] and Hibernian in [[UEFA Intertoto Cup 2004|2004]], [[UEFA Intertoto Cup 2006|2006]] and [[UEFA Intertoto Cup 2008|2008]]). Clubs may also qualify for Europe via the [[UEFA Fair Play ranking]]. Since the SPL's inception, Scotland's UEFA coefficient has increased significantly, having been ranked 26th in 1998/99.<ref name="SPL praises Euro performances">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/7259596.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=SPL praises Euro performances|date=[[2008-03-22]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> In 2003 Celtic became the first Scottish club since 1987 to reach a European final, eventually losing 3-2 to [[FC Porto]] after [[extra-time]] in the [[2003 UEFA Cup Final|UEFA Cup final]].<ref name="Porto end Celtic's Uefa dream">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3043029.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Porto end Celtic's Uefa dream|date=[[2003-05-21]]|accessdate=2008-05-09}}</ref> In 2003-04, two Scottish clubs (Celtic and Rangers) qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time. In 2005-06, Rangers became the first Scottish club to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League,<ref name="Rangers 1-1 Inter Milan">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4494912.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Rangers 1-1 Inter Milan|date=[[2005-12-06]]|accessdate=2008-05-09}}</ref> a feat which was repeated by Celtic the following two seasons.<ref name="Celtic 1-0 Man Utd">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6160910.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Celtic 1-0 Man Utd|date=[[2006-11-21]]|accessdate=2008-05-09}}</ref><ref name="AC Milan 1-0 Celtic">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7123562.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=AC Milan 1-0 Celtic|date=[[2007-12-04]]|accessdate=2008-05-09}}</ref> In the 2007&ndash;08 season, three Scottish clubs were competing in Europe after [[Christmas]] for the first time since 1970,<ref name="Calderwood aims to end 37 years of Scottish hurt in Europe">{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2007/dec/20/newsstory.aberdeen|publisher=[[The Guardian]]|title=Calderwood aims to end 37 years of Scottish hurt in Europe|date=[[2008-05-09]]|accessdate=2007-12-20}}</ref> while in the same season Rangers reached their first European final since their [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup]] triumph of [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1971-72|1972]], which they lost 2&ndash;0 to [[Russia]]n club [[Zenit St. Petersburg]] in the [[2008 UEFA Cup Final|UEFA Cup Final]].<ref name="Uefa Cup final - Zenit 2-0 Rangers">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7393752.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Uefa Cup final - Zenit 2-0 Rangers|date=[[2008-05-14]]|accessdate=2008-05-16}}</ref> During the season Scotland's European representitives collected the most coefficient points since the [[1982-83 in Scottish football|1982&ndash;83 season]].<ref name="SPL praises Euro performances"/> ==Criticisms== ===League format=== There has been criticism regarding the current format of the Scottish Premier League from several quarters, mostly focused on the controversial 'split' format. In April 2007, current Dundee United manager [[Craig Levein]] labeled the format as "rubbish" and a "nonsense", claiming that it resulted in lost revenue for clubs and put more pressure on managers. <ref name="Levein SPL Split">{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-13488563.html|publisher=[[Daily Mail]]|title=The SPL split makes no sense, insists Levein SPL split is a nonsense, insists Craig|date=[[2007-04-07]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> While Rangers manager [[Walter Smith]] branded the format as "unfair" and called for an 18-team league to be considered. <ref name="Smith SPL Split">{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-13489767.html|publisher=[[Daily Mail]]|title=Smith in blast at SPL split decision|date=[[2007-04-21]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> The SPL has defended the split format, however, and dismissed the possibility of expanding the league due to a lack of strong enough clubs within the [[Scottish Football League|Football League]]. <ref name="SPL stand by their split decision"/> In March 2008 Kilmarnock manager [[Jim Jefferies]] was the latest to call for a league revamp, claiming that the potential for four matches per season against the same opponent is too many. <ref name="Jefferies league revamp">{{cite news|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/football/scottishpremier/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/08/03/20/SOCCER_Kilmarnock_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=scotspremiership|publisher=[[Sporting Life]]|title= JEFFERIES WANTS A NEW-LOOK LEAGUE|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> However, all the alternative options are themselves difficult to conceive. A 14-team league, playing all opponents thrice, would fit into the schedule (increase from 38 games to 39) - but could be unfair as, for example, Hibernian and Hearts would play twice at one of their grounds, and once at the other. A 16-team league, playing all opponents twice, would result in a reduction from 38 to 30 matches. It would also replace many high-profile derbies and clashes between bigger clubs, with smaller teams. As a result, clubs would experience severe financial losses which might make a 16-team format unviable. Leagues of 18 teams (34 matches) or 20 teams (38 matches, as currently) would not face the massive fall in fixture numbers of the 16 team league. However, the increase in matches versus smaller clubs and the huge increase in 'meaningless' mid-table games, might still impact attendances and finance. ===Old Firm dominance=== [[Image:Oldfirm.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Both sets of fans at an [[Old Firm]] match at [[Celtic Park]].]] One of the main criticisms of the SPL is the dominance of the two [[Old Firm]] clubs, Rangers and Celtic. No team outside the Old Firm has won the SPL since it was formed in 1998 and there has only been one season ([[2005-06 in Scottish football|2005-06]]) where both clubs failed to occupy first and second positions, with [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]] finishing second behind Celtic. This is similar to other European leagues which also have the same clubs dominate the top positions. Both clubs' average home attendances are significantly higher than the other 10 clubs, resulting in the Old Firm having far greater revenues and therefore more money to spend on players. Both clubs also receive significant revenue from regular participation in the [[UEFA Champions League]] and the [[UEFA Cup]]. However, despite having more resources than other Scottish clubs, the Old Firm still experience difficulty in competing with big clubs from other leagues in terms of transfer fees and player wages due to the SPL's relatively low television revenue. A recurring theme in recent years has been the prospect of the two clubs leaving the Scottish football set-up to join either the [[English football league system|English set-up]], or a European league with clubs from countries such as [[Eredivisie|the Netherlands]], [[Belgian League|Belgium]] and [[Portuguese Liga|Portugal]].<ref name="Dutch resurrect Atlantic League">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/1947226.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Dutch resurrect Atlantic League|date=[[2002-04-24]]|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref> While some feel that the departure of the Old Firm from the Scottish football setup would be detrimental to Scottish football as a whole,<ref name="Blatter opposes Old Firm switch">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/7284560.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Blatter opposes Old Firm switch|date=2008-03-07|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref><ref name="Old Firm urged to talk">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/1983550.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Old Firm urged to talk|date=[[2002-05-12]]|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref> others, such as [[Craig Levein]], believe it would benefit Scottish football due to increased competition among the remaining clubs for the SPL title<ref name="Levein wants Old Firm kicked out">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/1916159.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Levein wants Old Firm kicked out|date=[[2002-04-07]]|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref>. World football's governing body [[FIFA]], however, has ruled out the prospect of any move to the English set-up<ref name="Fifa writes off Old Firm hopes">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1465004.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Fifa writes off Old Firm hopes|date=[[2001-07-30]]|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref>. ===Winter break=== A further issue of controversy was the SPL's decision to scrap the 'winter break' after the [[Scottish Premier League 2000-01|2000-01 season]], thereby forcing clubs to play throughout January and often resulting in postponement of matches and significant damage to clubs' pitches due to adverse weather conditions, as well as player fatigue. Former Celtic manager [[Martin O'Neill]]<ref name="McLeish berates SPL">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/2884453.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=McLeish berates SPL|date=[[2003-03-25]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref>, former Dundee manager [[Jim Duffy]]<ref name="McLeish berates SPL"/> and current Rangers manager Walter Smith are among those who have called for the winter break to be reinstated. <ref name="Smith sinter break">{{cite news|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20050612/ai_n14665300|publisher=[[Daily Mirror]]|title=Football: BRING BACK BREAK|date=[[2005-06-12]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> Former Rangers manager [[Alex McLeish]] accused the SPL of taking Scottish football "back to the dark ages" after its decision to scrap the mid-season hiatus. <ref name="McLeish berates SPL"/> However, the SPL has consistently pointed out that a Winter Break can never alleviate weather issues. Games are called off in Scotland any time from November to April - a short December break would not assist this, in fact it would result in more games (that would have been played during the break) being scheduled for later in the season. These would also be on midweeks, potentially reducing crowds. The SPL has stated that giving players rest and recuperation time may be reason for a break. ==Players== [[Image:Tore Andre Flo 2006 06 06.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Tore André Flo]] is the SPL's most expensive ever signing]] Scottish Premier League clubs have almost complete freedom to sign whatever number and category of players they wish. There is no team or individual salary cap, no squad size limit, no age restrictions other than those applied by general employment law, no restrictions on the overall number of foreign players, and few restrictions on individual foreign players &mdash; all players with EU nationality, including those able to claim an EU passport through a parent or grandparent, are eligible to play, and top players from outside the EU are able to obtain UK work permits. The only restriction on selection is the "Under-21 rule". This rule states that each club must include three players under the age of 21 in their matchday squad. Opinions on this rule appear to be divided among SPL managers. [[Walter Smith]], [[Gus McPherson]] and [[Jim Jefferies]] have expressed their disapproval of the policy.<ref name="Under-21 ruling">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/08/17/sfnsco117.xml|publisher=[[Telegraph]]|title= SPL face fresh criticism over under-21 rule|date=[[2007-08-17]]|accessdate-2008-03-22}}</ref> [[John Collins (footballer)|John Collins]], meanwhile, expressed approval of the ruling, claiming that it is healthy for Scottish football and encouraged the development of young players.<ref name="Under-21 ruling"/> Recent decline in television revenue has resulted in relatively little spending among SPL clubs in recent seasons, with major transfer spending mostly limited to the Old Firm clubs. As a result, many clubs are now more reliant on developing their own young players and selling them on for profit. This has also resulted in a large proportion of SPL clubs' squads being made up of Scottish players (73% in [[Scottish Premier League 2004-05|2004-05]]<ref name="SPL FAQ">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/SPLFAQs/0,,10002,00.html|publisher=SPL official website|title=FAQs|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref>). === SPL transfer records === * '''Highest transfer fee paid:''' [[Tore Andre Flo]], from [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] to Rangers, £12m, [[23 November]], [[2000]]<ref name="Tore Andre Flo">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/1033258.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Flo goes to Rangers|date=[[2000-11-23]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> * '''Highest transfer fee received:''' :[[Craig Gordon]], from Hearts to [[Sunderland A.F.C.|Sunderland]], £9m, [[8 August]] [[2007]]<ref name="Craig Gordon">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/6932931.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Gordon completes Sunderland move|date=[[2007-08-08]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> :[[Alan Hutton]], from Rangers to [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]], £9m, [[30 January]] [[2008]]<ref name="Alan Hutton">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/7215221.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Spurs complete signing of Hutton|date=[[2007-01-30]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> *'''Highest transfer fee between two SPL clubs:''' [[Scott Brown (Scottish footballer)|Scott Brown]], from Hibernian to Celtic, £4.5m, [[1 June]] [[2007]]<ref name="Scott Brown">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/6653201.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Celtic win race for Hibs' Brown|date=[[2007-05-15]]|accessdate=2008-03-22}}</ref> ==Finances== ===Financial crisis=== [[Image:David Murray.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Chairman David Murray launched a [[rights issue]] in order to reduce Rangers' debts.]] Since the SPL began, four of its member clubs have entered [[administration (insolvency)|administration]]. Serious financial difficulties first arose in 2002 when broadcaster [[Sky Sports]] withdrew their interest in the League’s television rights when the SPL rejected their offer of £45m, hoping that a better deal would arise from another broadcaster.<ref name="Telegraph report">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/dark-days-ahead-for-debtridden-scottish-clubs-569858.html|publisher=[[Telegraph]]|title=Dark days ahead for debt-ridden Scottish clubs|date=[[2004-02-13]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> A better deal failed to arise, however, adding to the clubs’ already delicate financial position.<ref name="Telegraph report"/> By season 2001-02, combined debt among SPL clubs was estimated to be around £132m, having been barely into double figures two years previously.<ref name="Telegraph report"/> [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] became the first SPL club to enter administration in April 2002, with debts of £11m and a wage bill totaling 97% of their annual turnover.<ref name="Telegraph report"/> [[Dundee F.C.|Dundee]] were next to follow, when in November 2003 they sacked 25 staff after debts of £20m.<ref name="Telegraph report"/> The severity of the SPL's financial problems were revealed in September 2003 when combined losses for SPL clubs during 2001/02 was estimated to have been £60m.<ref name="SPL posts record losses">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3133218.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=SPL posts record losses|date=[[2003-09-23]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> [[Livingston F.C.|Livingston]] became the third SPL club to enter administration in February 2004, with debts of £3.5m.<ref name="Livi in administration">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/3449367.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Livi in administration|date=[[2004-02-03]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> [[Dunfermline Athletic F.C.|Dunfermline Athletic]]'s financial position also looked bleak, with several players asked to take wage-cuts,<ref name="Pars players face wage cuts">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dunfermline_athletic/3255524.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Pars players face wage cuts|date=[[2003-12-02]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> while Rangers Chairman [[David Murray (Scottish businessman)|David Murray]] announced in September 2004 a plan to raise £57m via a [[rights issue]] in an attempt to wipe-out a large proportion of the club's debts.<ref name="Rangers to raise £57m">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/3617590.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Rangers to raise £57m|date=[[2004-09-01]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> A report by [[PricewaterhouseCoopers]] in 2003 described five SPL clubs - Dundee, Dunfermline Athletic, Hearts, Hibernian and Livingston - as "technically insolvent".<ref name="Report shows football cash divide">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3774533.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Report shows football cash divide|date=[[2004-06-04]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> ===Financial recovery=== After widespread cost-cutting measures, SPL clubs' finances began to show signs of improvement. Both Motherwell and Dundee came out of administration in [[April 2004|April]]<ref name="'Well end administration">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/3601421.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title='Well end administration|date=[[2004-04-20]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> and August 2004<ref name="Dundee to enter new era">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/dundee/3540060.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Dundee to enter new era|date=[[2004-08-05]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref>, respectively, while Livingston ended their fifteen month spell in administration in May 2005.<ref name="Livingston out of administration">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/livingston/4413753.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Livingston out of administration|date=[[2005-05-13]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> PricewaterhouseCoopers' 2006 report on SPL finances revealed operating profits of £2.8m among SPL clubs - the first collective operating profit made by Scotland's top-flight clubs in over a decade.<ref name="SPL continues economic recovery">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/5400428.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=SPL continues economic recovery|date=[[2006-10-03]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> While seven of the SPL's 12 clubs had a wage turnover ratio of less than 60%.<ref name="SPL continues economic recovery"/> PricewaterhouseCoopers' 2007 report revealed a collective loss of £9m for 2005/06, however six clubs - Falkirk, Hibernian, Inverness CT, Kilmarnock, Motherwell and Rangers - all made a profit.<ref name="Hearts buck debt reduction trend">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6947466.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Hearts buck debt reduction trend|date=[[2007-08-15]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> The report highlighted the increasingly precarious financial position of Hearts, describing their current finances as "unsustainable" with debt rising by £7m to £28m and a wage bill which represents 97% of their turnover.<ref name="Hearts buck debt reduction trend"/> Despite recent improvements in the financial position of SPL clubs, [[Gretna F.C.|Gretna]] became the fourth SPL club to enter administration in March 2008 after their main benefactor [[Brooks Mileson]] withdrew his financial support after ill-health.<ref name="Gretna edging closer to closure">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/gretna/7291519.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Gretna edging closer to closure|date=[[2008-03-13]]|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref> ==Media coverage== ===Television=== [[Image:334447412 61f2f39a2f b.jpg|right|thumb|A cameraman pitchside at [[Tynecastle Stadium]].]] Between [[Scottish Premier League 1998-99|season 1998-99]] and [[Scottish Premier League 2001-02|season 2001-02]], exclusive television rights for live Scottish Premier League matches were held by Sky Sports, with a highlights package held by [[STV]]'s [[Scotsport]]. After Sky Sports withdrew their interest in the SPL when their offer for £45m million to continue ownership of the live TV rights were declined by the SPL on the grounds of not being substantial enough, discussions began in 2002 for a new pay-per-view satellite television channel, dubbed "SPL TV".<ref name="SPL set to launch its own TV station as Sky switch off">{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-81816116.html|publisher=[[Daily Record]]|title=FANS GET A TELLYFUL; SPL set to launch its own TV station as Sky switch off|date=[[2002-01-16]]|accessdate=2008-03-23}}</ref> Discussions broke down in April 2002, however, when the Old Firm clubs, Rangers and Celtic, utilized the 11-1 voting system to veto the proposals. <ref name="Old Firm scupper SPL TV">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/1916133.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Old Firm scupper SPL TV|date=[[2002-04-08]]|accessdate=2008-03-23}}</ref> This caused discontent among the remaining 10 SPL clubs who subsequently announced their intention to resign from the league.<ref name="Scottish league faces collapse">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/1931985.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Scottish league faces collapse|date=[[2002-04-16]]|accessdate=2008-03-23}}</ref> Despite a two-year television deal being agreed with [[BBC Scotland]] in July 2002 (for a significant amount less than the money previously offered by [[Sky Sports]]),<ref name="SPL signs BBC deal">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2159152.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=SPL signs BBC deal|date=[[2002-07-31]]|accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref> the 10 non-Old Firm clubs confirmed their resignation from the SPL in August 2002, citing discontent with the league's 11-1 voting procedure which effectively gave the Old Firm clubs a veto over attempts to change SPL rules. <ref name="Scottish clubs quit SPL">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2166576.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Scottish clubs quit SPL|date=[[2002-08-01]]|accessdate=2008-03-23}}</ref> The ten clubs withdrew their resignations in January 2003 after an agreement was reached to change the voting procedures and to change the distribution of TV revenue. <ref name="SPL ends internal strife">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/2683577.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=SPL ends internal strife|date=[[2003-01-22]]|accessdate=2008-03-23}}</ref> With BBC Scotland's television contract due to expire after the [[Scottish Premier League 2003-04|2003-04 season]], the SPL agreed a new television deal with Irish broadcaster [[Setanta Sports]] in February 2004 in a four-year deal worth £54 million.<ref name="Setanta wins SPL TV deal">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/3489216.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=Setanta wins SPL TV deal|date=[[2004-02-26]]|accessdate=2008-03-23}}</ref> In June 2008, it was announced that a further four-year deal would commence for the 2010-11 season, with the deal worth £125m.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotprem.com/content/default.asp?page=s2&newsid=6274&back=home|title=Record-breaking TV deal for SPL |date=2008-06-30|publisher=Scottish Premier League|accessdate=2008-06-30}}</ref> BBC Scotland's [[Sportscene]] currently own the rights to broadcast highlights of each game first on terrestrial TV. The BBC also hold the rights to show on-line internet highlights to U.K. users for 1 week after each game. In Australia and the USA the Scottish Premier League is currently available on [[Setanta Sports]]. The [[Gaelic Digital Service]], when launched in September 2008, will show one full SPL game every Saturday for two seasons. The games will be broadcast three hours after the game has ended. The game shown will be a selected one not covered by either live [[Setanta Sports]] or on an on-demand basis by [[BT Vision]]. <ref>http://www.scotprem.com/content/default.asp?page=s2&newsid=6289&back=home</ref> ===Radio=== Radio broadcasting rights are currently held by [[BBC Radio Scotland]], who have held the rights since the SPL's inception in 1998/99.<ref name="Radio Scotland">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/3490936.stm |publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=BBC welcomes radio deal |date=[[2004-02-26]]|accessdate=2008-03-23}}</ref> BBC Radio Scotland also provide internet webcasts to all Scottish Premier League matches, having became the first broadcaster to introduce such a service in June 2000.<ref name="">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/scottish_premier/790777.stm|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|title=BBC scores Scottish winner|date=[[2000-06-14]]|accessdate=2008-03-23}}</ref>However [[Old Firm]] games are broadcast when available on [[BBC Radio 5 Live]] and also on [[102.5 Clyde 1]]. ==SPL clubs== {{main|List of Scottish Premier League clubs}} ===SPL members for 2008-09=== The following twelve clubs will be competing in the Scottish Premier League during the [[Scottish Premier League 2008-09|2008&ndash;09 season]]. <div style="position: relative;"> [[Image:Scottish infobox template map.png|right|300px]] <!-- ABERDEEN --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 54px; top: 230px;"><font color="#ee2c2c" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 1px; top: 230px;"><font color="ee2c2c" font size="2pt">Aberdeen</font></div> <!-- CELTIC --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 142px; top: 310px;"><font color="008000" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 142px; top: 288px;"><font color="008000" font size="2pt">Celtic</font></div> <!-- DUNDEE UNITED --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 95px; top: 268px;"><font color="FC6916" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 2px; top: 268px;"><font color="FC6916" font size="2pt">Dundee United</font></div> <!-- FALKIRK --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 123px; top: 300px;"><font color="005090" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 95px; top: 287px;"><font color="005090" font size="2pt">Falkirk</font></div> <!-- HAMILTON --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 136px; top: 318px;"><font color="FF0000" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 140px; top: 340px;"><font color="FF0000" font size="2pt">Hamilton</font></div> <!-- HEARTS --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 107px; top: 308px;"><font color="772244" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 75px; top: 320px;"><font color="772244" font size="2pt">Hearts</font></div> <!-- HIBERNIAN --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 100px; top: 306px;"><font color="1A732F" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 47px; top: 303px;"><font color="1A732F" font size="2pt">Hibernian</font></div> <!-- INVERNESS CT --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 145px; top: 205px;"><font color="4040FF" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 70px; top: 205px;"><font color="0033FF" font size="2pt">Inverness CT</font></div> <!-- KILMARNOCK --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 159px; top: 324px;"><font color="0033FF" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 173px; top: 328px;"><font color="0033FF" font size="2pt">Kilmarnock</font></div> <!-- MOTHERWELL --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 132px; top: 315px;"><font color="FFFF00" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 75px; top: 332px;"><font color="FFFF00" font size="2pt">Motherwell</font></div> <!-- RANGERS --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 149px; top: 310px;"><font color="0000FF" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 155px; top: 298px;"><font color="0000FF" font size="2pt">Rangers</font></div> <!-- ST. MIRREN --> <div style="position: absolute; right: 156px; top: 310px;"><font color="000000" font size="3pt">●</font></div> <div style="position: absolute; right: 170px; top: 311px;"><font color="000000" font size="2pt">St. Mirren</font></div> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- !Club<br /> !Position<br />in [[Scottish Premier League 2007-08|2007&ndash;08]] !First season in<br //>top division !First season of<br />current spell in<br />top division !Last title |- |style="text-align:left;"|[[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]]<sup>a,</sup><sup>b</sup>||4th||1905&ndash;06||1905&ndash;06||1984&ndash;85 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |style="text-align:left;"|[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]<sup>a,</sup><sup>b</sup>||1st||1890&ndash;91||1890&ndash;91||2007&ndash;08 |- |style="text-align:left;"|[[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]]<sup>a,</sup><sup>b</sup>||5th||1925&ndash;26||1996&ndash;97||1982&ndash;83 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |style="text-align:left;"|[[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]]||7th||1905&ndash;06||2005&ndash;06||&mdash; |- |style="text-align:left;"|[[Hamilton Academical F.C.|Hamilton]]||1st ([[Scottish First Division 2007-08|First Division]])||1906&ndash;07||2008&ndash;09||&mdash; |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |style="text-align:left;"|[[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]]<sup>a,</sup><sup>b</sup>||8th||1890&ndash;91||1983&ndash;84||1959&ndash;60 |- |style="text-align:left;"|[[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]]||6th||1895&ndash;96||1999&ndash;00||1951&ndash;52 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |style="text-align:left;"|[[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness CT]]||9th||2004&ndash;05||2004&ndash;05||&mdash; |- |style="text-align:left;"|[[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]]<sup>a,</sup><sup>b</sup>||11th||1899&ndash;00||1992&ndash;93||1964&ndash;65 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |style="text-align:left;"|[[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]]<sup>a,</sup><sup>b</sup>||3rd||1903&ndash;04||1985&ndash;86||1931&ndash;32 |- |style="text-align:left;"|[[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]<sup>a,</sup><sup>b</sup>||2nd||1890&ndash;91||1890&ndash;91||2004&ndash;05 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |style="text-align:left;"|[[St. Mirren F.C.|St. Mirren]]||10th||1890&ndash;91||2006&ndash;07||&mdash; |- !colspan="5" style="text-align:left;font-size:85%;"|<sup>a</sup> = Founding member of the Scottish Premier League <br><sup>b</sup> = Played in every Scottish Premier League season |- |} ===Former SPL members=== These are previous members of the SPL in reverse order of them losing membership. {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- !Club<br /> !Position<br />in [[2007-08 in Scottish football|2007&ndash;08]] !First season<br //>in top division !Last season in<br />top division ![[Scottish football champions|Last title]] |- |style="text-align:left;"|[[Gretna F.C.|Gretna]]||12th, SPL||[[2007-08 in Scottish football|2007&ndash;08]]||[[2007-08 in Scottish football|2007&ndash;08]]||&mdash; |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |style="text-align:left;"|[[Dunfermline Athletic F.C.|Dunfermline]]<sup>a,</sup>||5th, [[Scottish First Division|First Division]]||[[1926-27 in Scottish football|1926&ndash;27]]||[[2006-07 in Scottish football|2006&ndash;07]]||&mdash; |- |style="text-align:left;"|[[Livingston F.C.|Livingston]]||7th, [[Scottish First Division|First Division]]||[[2001-02 in Scottish football|2001&ndash;02]]||[[2005-06 in Scottish football|2005&ndash;06]]||&mdash; |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |style="text-align:left;"|[[Dundee F.C.|Dundee]]<sup>a,</sup>||2nd, [[Scottish First Division|First Division]]||[[1893-94 in Scottish football|1893&ndash;94]]||[[2004-05 in Scottish football|2004&ndash;05]]||[[1961-62 in Scottish football|1961&ndash;62]] |- |style="text-align:left;"|[[Partick Thistle F.C.|Partick Thistle]]||6th, [[Scottish First Division|First Division]]||[[1897-98 in Scottish football|1897&ndash;98]]||[[2003-04 in Scottish football|2003&ndash;04]]||&mdash; |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |style="text-align:left;"|[[St. Johnstone F.C.|St. Johnstone]]<sup>a,</sup>||3rd, [[Scottish First Division|First Division]]||[[1924-25 in Scottish football|1924&ndash;25]]||[[2001-02 in Scottish football|2001&ndash;02]]||&mdash; |- !colspan="5" style="text-align:left;font-size:85%;"|<sup>a</sup> = Founding member of the Scottish Premier League |- |} [[St. Mirren F.C.|St. Mirren]] are the only club to have been promoted into the SPL twice. [[Dunfermline Athletic F.C.|Dunfermline Athletic]] are the only club to have been relegated from the SPL twice. ==Stadiums== [[Image:Photo-0080.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Celtic Park]] is the SPL's biggest stadium.]] [[Image:Wfm ibrox main stand.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Ibrox Stadium]] is the SPL's only [[:Category:UEFA 5 star stadiums|UEFA 5 star stadium]].]] {| class="wikitable" ! width=130|Stadium ! width=65|Capacity ! width=130|Club ! Notes |- | [[Celtic Park]] || style="text-align:center;" | 60,832 || [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]|| Celtic Park is the biggest football stadium in Scotland. |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" | [[Ibrox Stadium]] || style="text-align:center;" | 51,444 || [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]|| Ibrox Stadium is one of two [[UEFA]] 5 Star Stadia in Scotland (the other being [[Hampden Park]]). |- | [[Pittodrie Stadium]] || style="text-align:center;" | 22,199 || [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]]|| Pittodrie was the first stadium in the UK to be all covered and all seated. |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" | [[Rugby Park]] || style="text-align:center;" | 18,128 || [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]]|| |- | [[Easter Road]] || style="text-align:center;" | 17,500 || [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]]|| Hibs are building a new East Stand that will be complete by the 2009/2010 season raising the capacity to around 22,000 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" | [[Tynecastle Stadium]] || style="text-align:center;" | 17,420 || [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]]|| Hearts have played some European games at [[Murrayfield Stadium]]. Capacity planned to increase to 23,000 by 2010. |- | [[Tannadice Park]] || style="text-align:center;" | 14,209 || [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]]|| |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" | [[Fir Park]] || style="text-align:center;" | 13,742 || [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] || |- | [[St. Mirren Park]] || style="text-align:center;" | 10,800 || [[St. Mirren F.C.|St. Mirren]]|| St Mirren will move to a new 8,000 seater stadium during 2008/2009 season |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" | [[Caledonian Stadium]] || style="text-align:center;" | 7,500 || [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness CT]]|| |- | [[Falkirk Stadium]] || style="text-align:center;" | 6,935 || [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]]|| Falkirk are currently in building work to expand their newly built stadium. |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" | [[New Douglas Park]] || style="text-align:center;" | 6,000 || [[Hamilton Academical F.C.|Hamilton&nbsp;Academical]] || |} ==All-time SPL table== {{see also|List of Scottish football champions}} The '''All-Time SPL Table''' is a cumulative record of all SPL matches played since the inception of the SPL, in 1998. The table is accurate from the 1998/1999 season to the end of the 2007/2008 season, inclusive. {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;" |- !width=40|P <br> !Club <br> !width=40|Ssn <br> !width=40|Pld <br> !width=40|W <br> !width=40|D <br> !width=40|L <br> !width=40|F <br> !width=40|A <br> !width=40|GD <br> !width=40|Pts <br> !width=40|PPG <br> !width=40|1st <br> !width=40|2nd <br> !width=40|3rd <br> !width=40|4th <br> |- |1||[[Celtic F.C.|'''Celtic''']] || 10 || 378 || 280 || 51 || 45 || 888 || 303 || +565 ||'''891'''|| 2.36 || 6 || 4 || || |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |2||[[Rangers F.C.|'''Rangers''']] || 10 || 378 || 256 || 68 || 52 || 799 || 305 || +494 ||'''836'''|| 2.21 || 4 || 5 || 1 || |- |3||[[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|'''Hearts''']] || 10 || 378 || 156 || 92 ||128 || 546 || 450 || +70 ||'''560'''|| 1.48 || || 1 || 3 || 1 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |4||[[Kilmarnock F.C.|'''Kilmarnock''']] || 10 || 378 || 134 || 92 ||150 || 469 || 543 || -74 ||'''493'''|| 1.30 || || || || 3 |- |5||[[Aberdeen F.C.|'''Aberdeen''']] || 10 || 378 || 133 || 87 ||156 || 458 || 547 || -89 ||'''486'''|| 1.29 || || || 1 || 3 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |6||[[Hibernian F.C.|'''Hibernian''']] || 9 || 340 || 126 || 83 ||131 || 484 || 480 || +4 ||'''461'''|| 1.36 || || || 2 || 1 |- |7||[[Motherwell F.C.|'''Motherwell''']] || 10 || 378 || 120 || 85 ||171 || 454 || 579 || -125 ||'''445'''|| 1.18 || || || 1 || 1 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |8||[[Dundee United F.C.|'''Dundee United''']] || 10 || 378 || 99 ||101 ||176 || 404 || 586 || -182 ||'''398'''|| 1.05 || || || || |- |9||[[Dunfermline Athletic F.C.|Dunfermline]] || 8 || 302 || 78 || 79 ||145 || 295 || 483 || -188 ||'''313'''|| 1.04 || || || || 1 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |10||[[Dundee F.C.|Dundee]] || 7 || 262 || 80 || 61 ||121 || 308 || 412 || -104 ||'''301'''|| 1.14 || || || || |- |11||[[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|'''Inverness CT''']] || 4 || 152 || 50 || 41 || 61 || 185 || 195 || -10 ||'''191'''|| 1.25 || || || || |- |12||[[Livingston F.C.|Livingston]] || 5 || 190 || 48 || 46 || 97 || 205 || 306 || -101 ||'''189'''|| 0.94 || || || 1 || |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |13||[[St. Johnstone F.C.|St. Johnstone]] || 4 || 148 || 39 || 43 || 66 || 139 || 200 || -61 ||'''160'''|| 1.08 || || || 1 || |- |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |14||[[Falkirk F.C.|'''Falkirk''']] || 3 || 114 || 36 || 24 || 54 || 129 || 168 || -31 ||'''132'''|| 1.16 || || || || |- |15||[[St. Mirren F.C.|'''St. Mirren''']] || 3 || 114 || 26 || 29 || 59 || 89 || 177 || -88 ||'''107'''|| 0.94 || || || || |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |16||[[Partick Thistle F.C.|Partick Thistle]] || 2 || 76 || 14 || 19 || 43 || 76 || 125 || -49 || '''61'''|| 0.80 || || || || |- |17||[[Gretna F.C.|Gretna]] || 1 || 38 || 5 || 8 || 25 || 32 || 83 || -51 ||'''13'''<sup>1</sup>|| 0.34 || || || || |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |18||[[Hamilton Academical F.C.|'''Hamilton Academical''']] || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || '''0'''|| 0.00 || || || || |} <sup>1</sup> Gretna were deducted 10 points for going into administration in the [[Scottish Premier League 2007-08|2007&ndash;08 season]].<br> <small>P = Position; Ssn = Number of seasons; Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points; Ppg = Points per game.</small> <small>Source: [http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Records/0,,10002,00.html SPL official website]</small> ==Top scorers== Below is a list of the players who haved scored 50 or more goals SPL goals. Former Celtic player [[Henrik Larsson]] has scored the most goals in the SPL since the [[1998-99 in Scottish football|inaugural 1998&ndash;99 season]], with 158 goals.<ref>[http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Records/0,,10002,00.html SPL All time records] ScotPrem.co.uk, 22 March 2008</ref> Rangers striker [[Kris Boyd]] has the most goals of any currently active Premier League player. [[Image:Henrik larsson snorsjoabalen 2007 1.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Henrik Larsson]] is the SPL's top all-time goalscorer.]] <small>Up to date as of [[11 May]] [[2008]] (match(es) inclusive)</small> {| class="wikitable" |- !width="10"|Rank !width="150"|Player !Club(s)<ref name="clubs note">Clubs only include those where players scored goals</ref> !width="10"|Goals |- |align=center|1|| {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Henrik Larsson]] || [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] (1998&ndash;2004) ||align=center|242 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |align=center|2|| {{flagicon|SCO}} '''[[Kris Boyd]]''' || [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]] (2000&ndash;2006)<br> [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] (2006&ndash;present) ||align=center|114<ref name="Boyd note"> Some sources incorrectly state he scored 64 goals for Kilmarnock</ref> |- |align=center|3|| {{flagicon|WAL}} [[John Hartson]] || [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] (2001-2006) ||align=center|88 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |align=center|4|| {{flagicon|AUS}} '''[[Scott McDonald]]''' || [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] (2004&ndash;2007)<br> [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] (2007&ndash;present) ||align=center|67 |- |rowspan=2 align=center|5|| {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Stevie Crawford]] || [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]] (1998&ndash;2000)<br> [[Dunfermline Athletic F.C.|Dunfermline Athletic]] (1999&ndash;2004)<br> [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]] (2005)<br> [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] (2005&ndash;2006)<br> [[Dunfermline Athletic F.C.|Dunfermline Athletic]] (2006&ndash;2008) ||rowspan=2 align=center|63 |- |{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Chris Sutton]] || [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] (2000&ndash;2006) |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |align=center|7|| {{flagicon|ESP}} '''[[Nacho Novo]]''' || [[Dundee F.C.|Dundee]] (2002&ndash;2004)<br> [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] (2004&ndash;present) ||align=center|62 |- |align=center|8|| {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Billy Dodds]] || [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]] (1998&ndash;1999)<br />[[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] (1999-2003)<br>[[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]] (2003&ndash;2006) ||align=center|60 |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |align=center|9|| {{flagicon|SCO}} '''[[Derek Riordan]]''' || [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]] (2001&ndash;2006)<br> [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] (2006&ndash;present) ||align=center|59 |- |align=center|10|| {{flagicon|BGR}} [[Stilian Petrov]] ||[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] (1999&ndash;2006) ||align=center|55 |- <!-- ACTIVE PLAYERS NEARING GOALS ||| '''[[Steve Lovell]]''' || '''{{ENG}}''' || [[Dundee F.C.|Dundee]] (2000&ndash;2005)<br> [[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] (2005-2008) || 48 |- ||| [[Garry O'Connor]] || {{SCO}} ||[[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]] (1999-2006) || 46 |- ||| '''[[Craig Dargo]]''' || '''{{SCO}}''' || [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]] (2000-2005)<br> [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness CT]] (2005-2007)<br> [[Saint Mirren F.C.|St. Mirren]] (2007-) || 46 |- ||| '''[[Colin Nish]]''' || '''{{SCO}}''' || [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]] (2004-2008)<br />[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]] (2008-)|| 44 |- ||| '''[[Darren Mackie]]''' || '''{{SCO}}''' ||[[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]] (1998-) || 44 |- ||| [[Paul Hartley]] || '''{{SCO}}''' || || 38 |- ||| [[Mark Burchill]] || '''{{SCO}}''' || || 37 |- ||| [[Barry Ferguson]] || '''{{SCO}}''' || || 38 |- ||| [[David Clarkson]] || '''{{SCO}}''' || || 36 |- ||| [[Barry Nicholson]] || '''{{SCO}}''' || || 36 |- ||| [[Steven Naismith]] || {{SCO}} || || 34 |- ||| [[Barry Robson]] || {{SCO}} || || 34 |- ||| [[Gary Wales]] || '''{{SCO}}''' || || 33 |- ||| [[Steven Fletcher]] || '''{{SCO}}''' || || 32 --> |} *<small>Players emboldened are still active in SPL squads</small> <small>Statistics obtained from [http://www.soccerbase.com Soccerbase.com]</small> ==SPL managers== {{main|List of managers in the Scottish football league system by date of appointment}} The following is a list of the current managers in the SPL. The list is arranged chronologically by appointment. Managers are all from Scotland unless stated. [[Image:Csabalaszlo.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Csaba László]], Hearts manager, was appointed in [[July 2008]].]] {| class="wikitable" |- !Manager !Club !Appointed |- |[[Jim Jefferies]]||[[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]]||[[February 28]], [[2002]] |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |[[John Hughes (football)|John Hughes]]<ref name="sfl">Manager was appointed when club was playing in the [[Scottish Football League]]</ref>||[[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]]||[[January 31]], [[2003]] |- |[[Gus MacPherson]]<ref name="sfl" />||[[St Mirren F.C.|St Mirren]]||[[December 18]], [[2003]] |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |[[Jimmy Calderwood]]||[[Aberdeen F.C.|Aberdeen]]||[[May 28]], [[2004]] |- |[[Gordon Strachan]]||[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]||[[June 1]], [[2005]] |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |[[Billy Reid (football)|Billy Reid]]<ref name="sfl" />||[[Hamilton Academical F.C.|Hamilton]]||[[June 2]], [[2005]] |- |[[Craig Levein]]||[[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]]||[[October 30]], [[2006]] |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |[[Walter Smith (footballer)|Walter Smith]]||[[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]||[[January 10]] [[2007]] |- |[[Mark McGhee]]||[[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]]||[[June 18]], [[2007]] |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |[[Craig Brewster]]||[[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness CT]]||[[August 27]] [[2007]] |- |{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Mixu Paatelainen]]||[[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]]||[[January 10]] [[2008]] |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Csaba László]]||[[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]]||[[July 11]] [[2008]] |} ==SPL season summary== {| class="wikitable" |- !Season !Winner !Runner-up !Relegated !Top Scorer !PFA Player of the Year !Writers' Player of the Year |- |[[Scottish Premier League 2007-08|2007&ndash;08]]||[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]|| [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] || [[Gretna F.C.|Gretna]] || [[Scott McDonald]] '''25''' (Celtic) || [[Aiden McGeady]] (Celtic) || [[Carlos Cuellar]] (Rangers) |- bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |[[Scottish Premier League 2006-07|2006&ndash;07]]||[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]|| [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] || [[Dunfermline Athletic F.C.|Dunfermline Athletic]] ||[[Kris Boyd]] '''20''' (Rangers) || [[Shunsuke Nakamura]] (Celtic) || [[Shunsuke Nakamura]] (Celtic) |- |[[Scottish Premier League 2005-06|2005&ndash;06]]||[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]||[[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]]||[[Livingston F.C.|Livingston]]||[[Kris Boyd]] '''32''' (''15'' - Kilmarnock, ''17'' - Rangers)||[[Shaun Maloney]] (Celtic)||[[Craig Gordon]] (Hearts) |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |[[Scottish Premier League 2004-05|2004&ndash;05]]||[[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]||[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]||[[Dundee F.C.|Dundee]]||[[John Hartson]] '''25''' (Celtic)||[[John Hartson]] (Celtic) / [[Fernando Ricksen]] (Rangers)||[[John Hartson]] (Celtic) |- |[[Scottish Premier League 2003-04|2003&ndash;04]]||[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]||[[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]||[[Partick Thistle F.C.|Partick Thistle]]||[[Henrik Larsson]] '''30''' (Celtic)||[[Chris Sutton]] (Celtic)||[[Jackie McNamara]] (Celtic) |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |[[Scottish Premier League 2002-03|2002&ndash;03]]||[[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]||[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]||No Relegation||[[Henrik Larsson]] '''28''' (Celtic)||[[Barry Ferguson]] (Rangers)||[[Barry Ferguson]] (Rangers) |- |[[Scottish Premier League 2001-02|2001&ndash;02]]||[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]|| [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]||[[St Johnstone F.C.|St Johnstone]]||[[Henrik Larsson]] '''29''' (Celtic)||[[Lorenzo Amoruso]] (Rangers)||[[Paul Lambert]] (Celtic) |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |[[Scottish Premier League 2000-01|2000&ndash;01]]||[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]|| [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]||[[St Mirren F.C.|St Mirren]]||[[Henrik Larsson]] '''35''' (Celtic)||[[Henrik Larsson]] (Celtic)||[[Henrik Larsson]] (Celtic) |- |[[Scottish Premier League 1999-00|1999&ndash;00]]||[[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]|| [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]||No Relegation||[[Mark Viduka]] '''25''' (Celtic)||[[Mark Viduka]] (Celtic)||[[Barry Ferguson]] (Rangers) |-bgcolor="#EFEFEF" |[[Scottish Premier League 1998-99|1998&ndash;99]]||[[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]|| [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]||[[Dunfermline Athletic F.C.|Dunfermline Athletic]]||[[Henrik Larsson]] '''29''' (Celtic)||[[Henrik Larsson]] (Celtic)||[[Henrik Larsson]] (Celtic) |} ==SPL records== ''Data accurate as at [[8 December]] [[2007]]'' *'''Most goals in a season:''' Celtic, 105 goals, 2003/04<ref name="SPL records">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Records/0,,10002,00.html|publisher=ScotPrem.co.uk|title=SPL - All Time Records|accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> *'''Fewest goals in a season:''' [[St Johnstone F.C.|St Johnstone]], 24 goals, 2001/02<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Most points in one season:''' Celtic, 103 points, 2001/02<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Fewest points in a season:''' [[Gretna F.C.|Gretna]], 13 points, 2007/08<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Fewest goals conceded in one season:''' Celtic, 28 goals, 2001/02<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Most goals conceded in a season:''' Aberdeen, 83 goals, 1999/00<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Biggest goal difference in a season:''' Celtic, 70, 2003/04<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Biggest home win:''' Celtic 7-0 Aberdeen (1999/00 and 2002/03); Hibernian 7-0 Livingston (2005/06)<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Biggest away win:''' St. Johnstone 0-7 Rangers (1998/99); Dunfermline Athletic 1-8 Celtic (2005/06)<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Highest scoring match:''' Motherwell 5-6 Aberdeen (1999/2000)<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Most away wins in a season:''' Celtic, 13, 2000/2001<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Fewest away wins in a season:''' Dunfermline, 0, 1998/1999<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Most away defeats in a season:''' Livingston, 16, 2005/2006<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Fewest home defeats in a season:''' Celtic, 0, 2001/2002<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Top goalscorer in any one season:''' Henrik Larsson, 51 goals, 2000/01 Celtic<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Player with most hat-tricks:''' Henrik Larsson, 12, 1998-2004<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Top goalscorer in any one game:''' Kenny Miller, 5, 4/11/2000, Rangers v St Mirren; Kris Boyd, 5, 25/9/2004, Kilmarnock v Dundee Utd<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Oldest player:''' [[Andy Millen]], for St. Mirren vs Hearts, 42 years 279 days, [[15 March]] [[2008]]<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Youngest player:''' [[Scott Robinson (footballer)|Scott Robinson]], for Hearts vs Inverness CT, 16 years 1 months and 14 days, [[26 April]] [[2008]]<ref>[http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HeartsNewsDetail/0,,10289~1298652,00.html Will you see history be made today? | Hearts | News | Hearts News | Hearts News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> *'''Youngest goalscorer:''' [[David Goodwillie]], for Dundee United vs Hibernian, 16 years 11 months and 4 days, [[4 March]] [[2006]]<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Most consecutive clean-sheets:''' [[Robert Douglas (footballer)|Robert Douglas]], Celtic, 7 games, [[16 December]] [[2000]] - [[21 February]] [[2001]]<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Most SPL appearances:''' [[Steven Pressley]], 285 (correct to the end of the 2006-07 season)<ref name="SPL records"/> *'''Highest attendance:''' 60,440, Celtic v St. Mirren, [[7 April]] [[2001]]<ref name="SPL statistics">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Top12s/0,,10002,00.html|publisher=ScotPrem.co.uk|title=SPL statistics|accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> *'''Lowest attendance:''' 431, Gretna v Inverness CT, [[5 April]] [[2008]]<ref name="SPL statistics"/> *'''Highest average attendance:''' 59,369, Celtic, [[Scottish Premier League 2000-01|2000-01]]<ref name="SPL statistics"/> *'''Lowest average attendance:''' 2,283, Gretna, [[Scottish Premier League 2007-08|2007-08]]<ref name="SPL statistics"/> ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==See also== *[[Scottish Football League Premier Division]] *[[List of attendance figures at domestic professional sports leagues]] *[[Scottish Premier League monthly awards]] ==External links== *[http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Home/0,,10002,00.html Official Site] *[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/default.stm SPL BBC page] {{fb start}} {{Scottish Premier League}} {{Football in Scotland}} {{Football in the United Kingdom}} {{UEFA_leagues}} {{fb end}} <!--"1" is used as an index for hierarchical purposes--> [[Category:Scottish Premier League| ]] [[Category:Scottish football competitions|1]] [[Category:National football (soccer) premier leagues|Scotland]] [[Category:All-time football league tables]] [[ca:Lliga escocesa de futbol]] [[cs:Scottish Premier League]] [[da:Scottish Premier League]] [[de:Scottish Premier League]] [[es:Premier League de Escocia]] [[fr:Championnat d'Écosse de football]] [[gd:Prìomh Lìog na h-Alba]] [[ko:스코틀랜드 프리미어리그]] [[id:Liga Utama Skotlandia]] [[it:Campionato di calcio scozzese]] [[he:ליגת העל הסקוטית]] [[lt:Škotijos Premier lyga]] [[hu:Skót labdarúgó-bajnokság (első osztály)]] [[nl:Scottish Premier League]] [[ja:スコティッシュ・プレミアリーグ]] [[no:Scottish Premier League]] [[pl:Scottish Premier League]] [[pt:Scottish Premier League]] [[ro:Scottish Premier League]] [[ru:Чемпионат Шотландии по футболу]] [[sco:Scottish Premier League]] [[simple:Scottish Premier League]] [[sk:Scottish Premier League]] [[fi:Skotlannin valioliiga]] [[sv:Scottish Premier League]] [[tr:İskoçya Premier Ligi]] [[zh:蘇格蘭足球超級聯賽]]