[pollymac]

Ok, many people think the OF doing well in Europe is a bad thing, others argue that it enhances our (Scotland's leagues) image across the continent.

But what about the tangible benefits?

UEFA have released details of their 'solidarity' payments to the leagues throughout Europe (based on CL participation) and it appears that Scotland has done rather well out of it, getting €1.16m. Compare this with the amount that the highest 'earning' country that did not have a CL participant, Norway with €351k and it's easy to see why our clubs benefit.

As a CL group stage participant, Celtic would not be elligible for any of this money, likewise when the figures are released next season, neither of the OF will be elligible for any of this money. The money is distributed amongst clubs deemed to qualify via youth set-up criteria (and can also be divided amongct lower league clubs at the National FA's discretion).

Celtic and Rangers have recently spent several million on players from within the SPL that helps maintain healthy balance sheets for clubs. Of the players purchased only Scott Brown was being actively pursued at his clubs valuation by other clubs - as such it is possible that the money spent on these others would not have been done so had it not been for CL participation by the OF.

Against this, you've got the obvious talent stripping by the OF, whereby any decent player will be snapped up and added to their burgeoning squads. The effect of this is that teams have less talent with which to compete aginst the OF.

The solidarity payments made by Uefa are also only a fraction of the money received by either of the OF for their CL participation and in no way comes close to narrowing an ever widening gulf (monetary or otherwise) between the two parties.

Discuss.

[HibeeJibee]

PROS:
- co-efficient held up. Hardly any non-OF team has won a tie in like a decade, and I believe never in the proper rounds (i.e. not the qualifying rounds) during this time.
- media attention, cash into the game, and the benefits of the SPL and Scottish football as a whole having an international profile considerably greater than most nations of 5M people.

CONS:
- the vast majority of the cash goes to Rangers and Celtic, who get richer and further away from the others, which is undoubtedly contributing to them virtually always getting into the Champions League, and in turn contributes to all our other teams being rubbish in Europe
- they never do very well.

[DomDom]

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4 million for Brown was a bit much they should have offered onl2 million in a take it or leave it option?

The thing is, they would never have gotten him for that sort of money. Scott Brown is a FAR better player than you give him credit for. It also hasn't taken him long to settle in at Celtic which is always a terrific sign.

Oh, and no handouts from the OF thank you very much.

This post has been edited by DomDom: 06 September 2007 - 17:28

[DomDom]

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What has scott Brown done exactly? has he won the golden shoe Like Larrson? No.

Piss poor comparison. Scott Brown is not a striker. He doesn't need to win any golden boots.

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Has he led Celtic to a title.....No....Has he Helped Celtic to first place in the SPL...NO

Has he had the chance ?

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so what the f**k has he done to gain such high praise?

Played incredibly well for Scotland against tough opposition. Played incredibly well for Hibs against better opposition in Rangers and Celtic. Had a great start to the season alongside Donati. I can't for the life of me see why Donati was benched.

The comparisons you made have shown just how clueless you are as it alludes to this arguement. This conversation is over.

[Michael W]

Bhoys67, on Sep 6 2007, 20:53, said:

What has scott Brown done exactly? has he won the golden shoe Like Larrson? No.
Has he led Celtic to a title.....No....Has he Helped Celtic to first place in the SPL...NO

so what the f**k has he done to gain such high praise?

He is not a striker so I don't think any sane person will be bothered about him no winning the gloden shoe.

Celtic may not be at the top, but there are another 10 players in celtic shirts along side brown on matchdays who are also responsible.

[Lordofthewing]

Bhoys67, on Sep 6 2007, 20:53, said:

What has scott Brown done exactly? has he won the golden shoe Like Larrson? No.
Has he led Celtic to a title.....No....Has he Helped Celtic to first place in the SPL...NO

so what the f**k has he done to gain such high praise?

Any chance you could name some of your footballing sources?