The
Scottish Premier League (
SPL, currently known as the
Clydesdale Bank Premier League for sponsorship reasons) is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top level of the
Scottish football league systemThe Scottish football league system is a series of generally unconnected leagues for Scottish football clubs. The Scottish system is a more complicated than many other national league systems, consisting of two completely separate systems of leagues and clubs, senior football and junior football...
— above the
Scottish Football LeagueThe Scottish Football League is a league of football teams in Scotland, comprising theScottish First Division, Scottish Second Division and Scottish Third Division....
.
Per capita, more people in
ScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
watch their domestic top level league than any other nation in Europe. The Scottish Premier League is currently ranked 13th in the
UEFAThe Union of European Football Associations is the administrative and controlling body for European football. It is almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA ....
rankings of European leagues, which are based on the performances of member clubs in European competitions. A total of 18 clubs have competed in the SPL since its inauguration in
1998–99The 1998–99 Scottish Premier League season was the inaugural season of Scottish Premier League football. It began on 1 August 1998.-Overview:...
, but only two have won the title:
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
(six) and
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
(five).
Prior to 1998–99
Previously, the
Scottish Football LeagueThe Scottish Football League is a league of football teams in Scotland, comprising theScottish First Division, Scottish Second Division and Scottish Third Division....
had a two divisional structure (Divisions One and Two) between which clubs were
promoted and relegatedIn many sports leagues around the world , promotion and relegation is a process that takes place at the end of each season in which teams are transferred between divisions...
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:
Premier DivisionThe Scottish Football League Premier Division was, from 1975 until 1998, the top division of the Scottish Football League and the entire Scottish football league system...
(formerly Division One),
First DivisionThe Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system....
(formerly Division Two) and a newly added
Second DivisionThe Scottish Football League Second Division is the second highest division of the Scottish Football League and the third highest overall in the Scottish football league system....
. This system came into force for the 1975–76 season.
This setup continued until the 1994–95 season, when a four divisional structure was introduced, along with a new
Third DivisionThe Scottish Football League Third Division is the lowest division of the Scottish Football League and the fourth overall in the Scottish football league system....
, with all divisions comprising ten clubs.
Formation of the SPL
On 8 September 1997, the football clubs in the Premier Division decided to split from the Scottish Football League and form the Scottish Premier League, following an earlier example in England, which came into force during the 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 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 2005–06 season, the seventh placed club,
Inverness Caledonian ThistleInverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club based in Inverness. They compete in the Scottish First Division after being relegated from the Scottish Premier League in 2009....
, gained more points than the fourth placed club
HibernianHibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their rivals Hearts, who Hibernian play in the Edinburgh derby...
.
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
FalkirkFalkirk Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Falkirk, playing in the Scottish Premier League.Falkirk finished 7th in seasons 2006–07 and 2007–08. Falkirk's 2008–09 season ended on a high when they defeated Inverness to perform an amazing escape act and avoid...
's proposed ground share with
Airdrie UnitedAirdrie United Football Club is a Scottish professional football team based in the town of Airdrie, North Lanarkshire. They are members of the Scottish Football League and play in the First Division following a last-minute reprieve from relegation to the Second Division after Livingston were...
and stopped the club from having the 10,000 fan stadium capacity it required, thus saving
MotherwellMotherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell. The club competes in the Scottish Premier League and is one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
from relegation.
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 ThistleInverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club based in Inverness. They compete in the Scottish First Division after being relegated from the Scottish Premier League in 2009....
were finally allowed promotion provided that they groundshared with north rivals
AberdeenAberdeen Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
at
PittodriePittodrie Stadium is a football stadium situated in the Scottish city of Aberdeen. It was first used in 1899 and from 1903 has been the home of Aberdeen FC. Since then it has been the location of a number of firsts in the field of stadium design, notably becoming one of the first all-seater stadia...
, a ground over 100 miles (160 km) away. In 2005, the stadium size criterion for entry to the SPL was reduced to 6,000, thereby allowing Inverness Caledonian Thistle to return to their home stadium during the 2005–06 season.
Sponsorship
The
Bank of ScotlandThe Bank of Scotland plc is a commercial and clearing bank based in Edinburgh, Scotland. With a history dating to the 17th century, it is the second oldest surviving bank in what is now the United Kingdom, and is the only commercial institution created by the Parliament of Scotland to remain...
, who had sponsored the league since March 1999 (The League was unsponsored for most of the inaugural season), did not renew their sponsorship at the end of the 2006–07 season. Talks began with
Clydesdale BankClydesdale Bank is a commercial bank in Scotland, a subsidiary of the National Australia Bank Group. In Scotland, Clydesdale Bank is the third largest clearing bank, although it also retains a branch network in London and the north of England...
, and a deal was confirmed shortly afterwards. A four-year deal for £8m came into effect from July 2007.
Competition
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 differenceIn sports such as ice hockey and association football, goal difference is often the first tiebreaker used to rank teams which finish a league competition with an equal number of points....
, 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 'predicts' the likely positions of each club in order to produce a fixture schedule that will ensure the best possible chance of all clubs playing each other twice at home and twice away. These are known as the league seedings and are based on clubs' performance in previous years. However, should a club predicted to finish in the top six finish in the bottom six, it faces the possibility of playing more games away from home than at home or vice-versa. 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.
The bottom placed SPL club at the end of the season is relegated, and swaps places with the winner of the
Scottish First DivisionThe Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system....
, provided that the winner satisfies the league's entry criteria.
European qualification
The Scottish Premier League is currently thirteenth in UEFA's
co-efficient rankingIn European football, the UEFA coefficients are statistics used for ranking and seeding teams in club and international competitions.The coefficients are calculated by UEFA, who administer football within Europe...
, meaning that two SPL clubs currently qualify for the
UEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe...
(the SPL champions, who progress directly to the group stage, and the runner-up, who enter the third qualifying round) as well as two qualifying for the
UEFA Europa LeagueThe UEFA Europa League is a competition for eligible European football clubs; the second most prestigious European football contest after the UEFA Champions League. It is an annual football cup competition for European club teams organised by the Union of European Football Associations...
(the third and fourth placed clubs). The winners of the
Scottish CupThe Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the Scottish Cup, and as the Active Nation Scottish Cup for sponsorship reasons, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football...
also qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
If the Scottish Cup winners have qualified for the
UEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe...
, the final UEFA Europa League place is given to the runner-up. Clubs also had the opportunity to apply for qualification to the
UEFA Intertoto CupThe UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup and originally called the International Football Cup, was a summer football competition for European clubs that have not qualified for one of the two major UEFA competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The competition was discontinued...
before it was folded into the Europa League; qualification for that event was given to the highest placed applicant, although only two clubs chose to play in the tournament since the SPL's inception in 1998–99 (Dundee in
2001The UEFA Intertoto Cup 2001 finals were won by Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain, and Troyes. All three teams advanced to the UEFA Cup.-First Round:|}-Second Round:|}-Third Round:|}-Semi–finals:...
and Hibernian in
2004The UEFA Intertoto Cup 2004 finals were won by Lille, Schalke 04, and Villarreal. All three teams advanced to the UEFA Cup.-First Round:|}-Second Round:|}-Third Round:|}-Semifinals:|}...
,
2006The UEFA Intertoto Cup 2006 was the first after a major change of the competition format. There were only three rounds instead of five, and eleven teams qualified for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup...
and
2008The 2008 UEFA Intertoto Cup was the last UEFA Intertoto Cup football tournament, the 14th to be organised by UEFA and the third since the competition's format was given a major overhaul. Three rounds were held, and eleven teams qualified for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup. The draw...
). Clubs may also qualify for Europe via the
UEFA Fair Play rankingThe UEFA Fair Play ranking is used by UEFA since 1995 to grant three berths for the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup.-Old club qualification system:...
.
Since the SPL's inception, Scotland's UEFA co-efficient has improved significantly, having been ranked 26th in 1998–99. 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
UEFA Cup finalThe 2003 UEFA Cup Final was played on 21 May 2003 between Celtic F.C. of Scotland and F.C. Porto of Portugal. Porto won the match 3–2 in extra time thanks to a goal from Derlei...
. 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, a feat which was repeated by Celtic the following two seasons. In the 2007–08 season, three Scottish clubs were competing in Europe after
ChristmasChristmas , also referred to as Christmas Day, is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The day marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days. The nativity of Jesus, which is the basis for the anno Domini...
for the first time since 1970, while in the same season Rangers reached their first European final since their
UEFA Cup Winners' CupThe UEFA Cup Winners' Cup was a football club competition contested annually by the most recent winners of all European domestic cup competitions. The cup is one of the many inter-European club competitions that have been organised by UEFA. The first competition was held in the 1960–61 season, and...
triumph of 1972, which they lost 2–0 to
RussiaRussia , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia . It is a semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
n club Zenit St. Petersburg in the
UEFA Cup FinalThe 2008 UEFA Cup Final was the 37th final of the UEFA Cup, UEFA's second tier club football tournament. The match was played at the City of Manchester Stadium, home ground of Manchester City F.C., in Manchester, England, at 20:45 CEST on 14 May 2008.The match was contested by Zenit St. Petersburg...
. During the season Scotland's European representatives collected the most co-efficient points since the 1982/83 season.
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 LeveinCraig William Levein is a Scottish former professional footballer and current football manager and Director of Football of Scottish Premier League club Dundee United...
labelled the format as "rubbish" and a "nonsense", claiming that it resulted in lost revenue for clubs and put more pressure on managers. While Rangers manager Walter Smith branded the format as "unfair" and called for an 18-team league to be considered. 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 LeagueThe Scottish Football League is a league of football teams in Scotland, comprising theScottish First Division, Scottish Second Division and Scottish Third Division....
.
In March 2008 Kilmarnock manager
Jim JefferiesJim Jefferies is the Scottish football manager of Kilmarnock. Born in Musselburgh, East Lothian, he is also a former footballer.-Career:...
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.
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 could experience 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 increase in mid-table games, might still impact attendances and finance.
Old Firm dominance
One of the main criticisms of the SPL is the dominance of the two
Old FirmThe Scottish football teams Celtic and Rangers, both based in Glasgow, are collectively referred to as the Old Firm.The origin of the term is unclear. One theory has it that the expression derives from Celtic's first game in 1888, which was played against Rangers...
clubs, Celtic and Rangers. 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) where both clubs failed to occupy first and second positions, with
HeartsHeart of Midlothian F.C. is a football club from Edinburgh, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. They are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian....
finishing second behind Celtic. Whilst this is similar to other European leagues which also have the same clubs dominate the top positions, this problem predates the SPL itself, almost since the beginning of Scottish league football (with a few exceptional periods). 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 LeagueThe UEFA Champions League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe...
and the UEFA Europa League.
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 set-upThe English football league system, also known as the football pyramid, is a series of interconnected leagues for club football in England...
, or an
Atlantic LeagueThe Atlantic League is a proposed international association football competition to be played in a number of European countries. The aim of the Atlantic League to allow clubs who have been successful in their national competitions to participate in a more competitive league that would be more...
with clubs from countries such as
the NetherlandsFor the Eredivisie for female football see: Eredivisie The Eredivisie is the highest football league in the Netherlands.The top division consists of 18 clubs. Each club faces every other club twice during the season, once at home and once away...
, Belgium and
PortugalThe Portuguese Liga , currently named Liga Sagres after its main sponsor, is the league competition for Portuguese professional football clubs located at the top of the Portuguese football league system , making it Portugal's primary football competition.The Liga is presently contested by 16 clubs...
. While some feel that the departure of the Old Firm from the Scottish football setup would be detrimental to Scottish football as a whole, others, such as
Craig LeveinCraig William Levein is a Scottish former professional footballer and current football manager and Director of Football of Scottish Premier League club Dundee United...
, believe it would benefit Scottish football due to increased competition among the remaining clubs for the SPL title. World football's governing body
FIFAThe International Federation of Association Football, commonly known by its French acronym, FIFA , is the international governing body of association football. Its headquarters are in Zürich, Switzerland, and its current president is Sepp Blatter...
, however, has ruled out the prospect of any move to the English set-up.
Winter break
A further issue of controversy was the SPL's decision to scrap the 'winter break' after the 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'NeillMartin Hugh Michael O'Neill, OBE, is an Irish former association footballer who captained the Northern Ireland national football team, also known for playing for Nottingham Forest and who has previously managed Wycombe Wanderers, Norwich City, Leicester City and Celtic and is currently manager of...
, former Dundee manager Jim Duffy and current Rangers manager Walter Smith are among those who have called for the winter break to be reinstated. Former Rangers manager
Alex McLeishAlexander "Alex" McLeish nicknamed "Big Eck", is a Scottish former professional footballer who played as a central defender...
accused the SPL of taking Scottish football "back to the Dark Ages" after its decision to scrap the mid-season hiatus.
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.
Fans at SPL Games
Although generally well behaved, there is some evidence of inappropriate behaviour by fans in Scotland during SPL games. For example, racist chants directed towards James McCarthy formerly of Hamilton Academical and
Aiden McGeadyAiden McGeady is a Scottish-born Irish international footballer who plays on the wing or up front for Celtic and the Republic of Ireland internationally.-Club career:...
of
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
for their choice of international career.
, The Herald journalist Doug Gillon suggested "the sectarian intolerance which divides Scottish society [...] is rooted in anti-Irish racism."
Players
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 — 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 MacPhersonAngus Ian MacPherson is a former Scottish footballer and is the current manager of St Mirren.-Playing career:...
and
Jim JefferiesJim Jefferies is the Scottish football manager of Kilmarnock. Born in Musselburgh, East Lothian, he is also a former footballer.-Career:...
have expressed their disapproval of the policy.
John CollinsJohn Angus Paul Collins is a former Scottish international footballer. He played for Hibernian, Celtic, Monaco, Everton and Fulham in a 19 year playing career. He started his coaching career with Hibernian, winning the 2007 Scottish League Cup Final, but resigned later that year...
, meanwhile, expressed approval of the ruling, claiming that it is healthy for Scottish football and encouraged the development of young players.
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 2004–05).
SPL transfer records
- Highest transfer fee paid: Tore André Flo
Tore André Flo is a Norwegian football striker, who is currently unattached after being released by the Milton Keynes Dons. His brothers Jostein Flo and Jarle Flo, and cousin Håvard Flo are also professional footballers. Tore André Flo is from the village of Flo in the municipality of Stryn in...
, from ChelseaChelsea Football Club Chelsea Football Club Chelsea Football Club (are a professional English football club based in West London. The team, founded in 1905, play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football...
to Rangers, £12m, 23 November 2000
- Highest transfer fee received:
- Craig Gordon
Craig Sinclair Gordon is a Scottish footballer, currently playing as a goalkeeper for both Sunderland and the Scotland national team.-Club career:...
, from Heart of Midlothian to SunderlandSunderland Association Football Club are a professional association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, that compete in the Premier League. Since their formation in 1879, they have won six First Division titles—in 1892, 1893, 1895, 1902, 1913, and 1936 Sunderland Association...
, £9m, 8 August 2007
- Alan Hutton
Alan Hutton is a Scottish professional footballer who plays for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and also the Scottish national team. He is a right back.-Rangers:...
, from Rangers to Tottenham HotspurTottenham Hotspur Football Club, , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English professional football club based in Tottenham, North London which currently plays in the Premier League...
, £9m, 30 January 2008
- Highest transfer fee between two SPL clubs: Scott Brown, from Hibernian to Celtic, £4.4m, 1 June 2007
Financial crisis
Since the SPL began, four of its member clubs have entered
administrationAdministration, as a legal concept, is a procedure under the insolvency laws of a number of common law jurisdictions. It functions as a rescue mechanism for insolvent companies and allows them to carry on running their business...
. Serious financial difficulties first arose in 2002 when broadcaster
Sky SportsSky Sports is the brand name for a group of sports-oriented television channels operated by the UK and Ireland's main satellite pay-TV company, British Sky Broadcasting. Sky Sports is the dominant subscription television sports brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland...
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. A better deal failed to arise, however, adding to the clubs’ already delicate financial position. By season 2001/02, combined debt among SPL clubs was estimated to be around £132m, having been barely into double figures two years previously.
MotherwellMotherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell. The club competes in the Scottish Premier League and is one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
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.
DundeeDundee Football Club, founded in 1893, is a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their home shirt colour is dark blue....
were next to follow, when in November 2003 they sacked 25 staff after debts of £20m. 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.
LivingstonLivingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League Third Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team...
became the third SPL club to enter administration in February 2004, with debts of £3.5m.
Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They play at East End Park and are nicknamed The Pars....
's financial position also looked bleak, with several players asked to take wage-cuts, while Rangers Chairman
David MurraySir David Edward Murray is a Scottish entrepreneur, businessman and former chairman of Rangers Football Club.-Early life:...
announced in September 2004 a plan to raise £57m via a
rights issueUnder a secondary market offering or seasoned equity offering of shares to raise money, a company can opt for a rights issue to raise capital. The rights issue is a special form of shelf offering or shelf registration. With the issued rights, existing shareholders have the privilege to buy a...
in an attempt to wipe-out a large proportion of the club's debts. A report by
PricewaterhouseCoopersPricewaterhouseCoopers is one of the world's largest professional services firms. It was formed in 1998 from a merger between Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand, both formed in London....
in 2003 described five SPL clubs - Dundee, Dunfermline Athletic, Hearts, Hibernian and Livingston - as "technically insolvent".
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
April2004 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December-Events:2004 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December-Events:...
and August 2004, respectively, while Livingston ended their fifteen month spell in administration in May 2005. 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. Seven of the SPL's 12 clubs had a wage turnover ratio of less than 60%.
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. 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. The figures for 2006–07 showed a collective profit of £3m, with eight clubs making a profit.
Despite recent improvements in the financial position of SPL clubs,
GretnaGretna Football Club were a Scottish football club that represented the town of Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway. Founded in 1946, the club dissolved in 2008 after coming into severe financial difficulties....
became the fourth SPL club to enter administration in March 2008 after their main benefactor
Brooks MilesonBrooks John Joseph Mileson was an English businessman and the former owner of Scottish football club Gretna as well as being a philanthropist to 70 non-league clubs....
withdrew his financial support after ill-health.
Financial crises 2007-09
With the financial crises and the UK economic recession, SPL clubs are expected to be badly affected. A reduction in revenue from ticket sales for SPL games and club merchandise will impact negatively on club expenditure. Players may be expected to take wage cuts and team squads will be reduced. Indeed some clubs may reduced the number of non-playing staff.
, In March 2009, it was reported that Rangers in particular are having difficulties with their Bank who wished to reduce the size of the club's debt.
Television
Between
season 1998–99The 1998–99 Scottish Premier League season was the inaugural season of Scottish Premier League football. It began on 1 August 1998.-Overview:...
and season 2001–02, exclusive television rights for live Scottish Premier League matches were held by
Sky SportsSky Sports is the brand name for a group of sports-oriented television channels operated by the UK and Ireland's main satellite pay-TV company, British Sky Broadcasting. Sky Sports is the dominant subscription television sports brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland...
, with a highlights package held by
STVSTV is the brand used by both ITV licensees in Northern and Central Scotland, formerly known as Grampian TV and Scottish TV respectively. The brand was adopted on Tuesday, 30 May 2006 replacing both franchises' identities. Its positioning, identity and brand guidelines were developed by Elmwood...
's
ScotsportScotsport was a Scottish sports television programme, broadcast on STV in northern and central Scotland, as well as on Border Television in southern Scotland. It was recognised as the world's longest running sports television magazine....
. After Sky Sports withdrew their interest in the SPL when their offer for £45m 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". Discussions broke down in April 2002, however, when the Old Firm clubs, Rangers and Celtic, utilised the 11-1 voting system to veto the proposals. This caused discontent among the remaining 10 SPL clubs who subsequently announced their intention to resign from the league.
Despite a two-year television deal being agreed with
BBC ScotlandBBC Scotland is a constituent part of the British Broadcasting Corporation, the publicly-funded broadcaster of the United Kingdom. It is, in effect, the national broadcaster for Scotland, having a considerable amount of autonomy from the BBC's London headquarters, and is run by the BBC Trust, who...
in July 2002 (for a significant amount less than the money previously offered by
Sky SportsSky Sports is the brand name for a group of sports-oriented television channels operated by the UK and Ireland's main satellite pay-TV company, British Sky Broadcasting. Sky Sports is the dominant subscription television sports brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland...
), 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. 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.
With BBC Scotland's television contract due to expire after the 2003–04 season, the SPL agreed a new television deal with Irish broadcaster
Setanta SportsSetanta Sports is an international sports broadcaster based in Dublin, Ireland.Setanta Sports was formed in 1990 to facilitate the broadcasting of Irish sporting events to Irish expatriates. The channel operates individual channels in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Africa and...
in February 2004 in a four-year deal worth £54m. In June 2008, it was announced that a further four-year deal would commence for the 2010/11 season, with the deal worth £125m.
BBC Scotland's
SportsceneSportscene is the name of a bouquet of Scottish sports television programmes produced by BBC Scotland. Its main anchors are Dougie Donnelly, David Currie and Dougie Vipond, with Alison Walker and Richard Gordon acting as relief presenters...
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 UK users for one week after each game.
BBC Alba, launched in September 2008, show one full SPL game every Saturday evening for two seasons. The games are broadcast three hours after the game has ended. The game shown is a selected one not covered by either live
Setanta SportsSetanta Sports is an international sports broadcaster based in Dublin, Ireland.Setanta Sports was formed in 1990 to facilitate the broadcasting of Irish sporting events to Irish expatriates. The channel operates individual channels in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Africa and...
or on an on-demand basis by
BT VisionBT Vision is a service provided in the United Kingdom supplied by BT Retail. It provides digital terrestrial television channels using a Freeview decoder and on demand film, TV, sport, kids and music programming delivered via broadband through a hybrid DTT/IP/PVR set top box also known as the...
.
In
AustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the continental mainland , the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans...
the Scottish Premier League is broadcast by Setanta Sports. In the USA the SPL is currently available on
Setanta Sports North AmericaSetanta Sports USA is a television channel launched in 2005 by the Irish sports broadcaster Setanta Sports to offer live and tape-delayed mainstream sports events....
.
On 23 June 2009 Setanta lost the rights to show live SPL games in the United Kingdom as they were unable to pay the £3 Million they owed to the SPL. Setanta went into dministration and ceased broadcasting in the UK.
The SPL replaced Setanta with
ESPNESPN is an American cable television network dedicated to broadcasting and producing sports-related programming 24 hours a day....
and BSkyB in a deal thought to be around £13 million per season to the clubs. This is comparable to the deal which Setanta had in place although around half of the amount that Setanta would have been paying from 2010.
Radio
Radio broadcasting rights are currently held by
BBC Radio ScotlandBBC Radio Scotland is BBC Scotland's national English language radio network. It broadcasts a wide variety of programming including news, sport, light entertainment, music, the arts, comedy, drama, history and lifestyle...
, who have held the rights since the SPL's inception in 1998. 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. However
Old FirmThe Scottish football teams Celtic and Rangers, both based in Glasgow, are collectively referred to as the Old Firm.The origin of the term is unclear. One theory has it that the expression derives from Celtic's first game in 1888, which was played against Rangers...
games are broadcast when available on BBC Radio 5 Live and also on
102.5 Clyde 1102.5 Clyde 1 is a UK radio station broadcasting to Glasgow and West Central Scotland on FM, DAB and online. The station was formerly broadcast on Freeview across the UK until 30 October 2008.- History :...
.
SPL members for 2009–10
The following twelve clubs compete in the Scottish Premier League during the 2009–10 season:
Club
|
Position
in 2008–09 |
First season in
top division |
First season of
current spell in
top division |
Last title |
AberdeenAberdeen Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
a,b |
4th |
1905–06 |
1905–06 |
1984–85 |
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
a,b |
2nd |
1890–91 |
1890–91 |
2007–08 |
| Dundee United Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, 2009 is Dundee United's centenary year. The club changed to the present name in 1923...
a,b |
5th |
1925–26 |
1996–97 |
1982–83 |
FalkirkFalkirk Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Falkirk, playing in the Scottish Premier League.Falkirk finished 7th in seasons 2006–07 and 2007–08. Falkirk's 2008–09 season ended on a high when they defeated Inverness to perform an amazing escape act and avoid...
|
10th |
1905–06 |
2005–06 |
— |
Hamilton AcademicalHamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Accies, are a football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. They were established in 1874 from Hamilton Academy....
|
9th |
1906–07 |
2008–09 |
— |
Heart of MidlothianHeart of Midlothian F.C. is a football club from Edinburgh, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. They are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian....
a,b |
3rd |
1890–91 |
1983–84 |
1959–60 |
| Hibernian Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their rivals Hearts, who Hibernian play in the Edinburgh derby...
|
6th |
1895–96 |
1999–2000 |
1951–52 |
| Kilmarnock Kilmarnock Football Club are a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Founded in 1869, "Killie" are the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. Home matches are played at Rugby Park. They are currently members of the Scottish Premier League and are managed...
a,b |
8th |
1899–1900 |
1992–93 |
1964–65 |
MotherwellMotherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell. The club competes in the Scottish Premier League and is one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
a,b |
7th |
1903–04 |
1985–86 |
1931–32 |
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
a,b |
1st (Champions) |
1890–91 |
1890–91 |
2008–09 |
| St. Johnstonea |
1st (First Division The 2008–09 Scottish First Division will be the fourteenth season of the First Division in its current format of ten teams.-SPL & First Division:Promoted from First Division to Scottish Premier League* Hamilton Academical...
) |
1924–25 |
2009–10 |
— |
St. MirrenSaint Mirren Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Paisley, Renfrewshire. St. Mirren play in the Scottish Premier League, having been promoted from the First Division in 2005–06.St...
|
11th |
1890–91 |
2006–07 |
— |
a = Founding member of the Scottish Premier League
b = Played in every Scottish Premier League season |
Former SPL members
These are previous members of the SPL in reverse order of them losing membership.
Club
|
Position
in 2008–09 |
First season
in top division |
Last season in
top division |
Last titleThe Scottish football champions are the winners of the highest league in Scottish football, namely the Scottish Football League from 1890 until 1998 and the Scottish Premier League thereafter....
|
Inverness CTInverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club based in Inverness. They compete in the Scottish First Division after being relegated from the Scottish Premier League in 2009....
|
12th, SPL |
2004–05 |
2008–09 |
— |
GretnaGretna Football Club were a Scottish football club that represented the town of Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway. Founded in 1946, the club dissolved in 2008 after coming into severe financial difficulties....
|
N/A |
2007–08 |
2007–08 |
— |
Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They play at East End Park and are nicknamed The Pars....
a, |
3rd, First Division The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system....
|
1926–27 |
2006–07 |
— |
LivingstonLivingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League Third Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team...
|
7th, First Division The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system....
|
2001–02 |
2005–06 |
— |
DundeeDundee Football Club, founded in 1893, is a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their home shirt colour is dark blue....
a, |
4th, First Division The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system....
|
1893–94 |
2004–05 |
1961–62 |
| Partick Thistle Partick Thistle Football Club are a professional association football club from Glasgow, Scotland. Despite their name, the club are based in the Maryhill area of the city, and have not played in Partick since 1908. They are members of the Scottish Football League, and currently play in the First...
|
2nd, First Division The Irn-Bru Scottish Football League First Division Championship is the highest division of the Scottish Football League and the second highest in the Scottish football league system....
|
1897–98 |
2003–04 |
— |
| a = Founding member of the Scottish Premier League |
|
|
| |
St. MirrenSaint Mirren Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Paisley, Renfrewshire. St. Mirren play in the Scottish Premier League, having been promoted from the First Division in 2005–06.St...
are the only club to have been promoted into the SPL twice.
Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They play at East End Park and are nicknamed The Pars....
are the only club to have been relegated from the SPL twice.
Stadia
| Stadium |
Capacity |
Club |
Notes |
Celtic ParkCeltic Park is a football stadium in the Parkhead area of Glasgow in Scotland. It is the home ground of Celtic Football Club. The all-seater stadium is also known as Parkhead and occasionally nicknamed Paradise by Celtic fans....
|
60,832 |
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
Biggest club stadium in Scotland |
| Ibrox Stadium Ibrox Stadium, originally Ibrox Park, is a football stadium located on the south side of the River Clyde, on Edmiston Drive in the Ibrox district of Glasgow...
|
51,444 |
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
One of three UEFA Elite stadia in Scotland and one of 2 UEFA 5 star stadiums |
Pittodrie StadiumPittodrie Stadium is a football stadium situated in the Scottish city of Aberdeen. It was first used in 1899 and from 1903 has been the home of Aberdeen FC. Since then it has been the location of a number of firsts in the field of stadium design, notably becoming one of the first all-seater stadia...
|
22,199 |
AberdeenAberdeen Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
|
The first stadium in the UK to be all covered and all seated. It also was the first stadium in the world to have dugouts |
Rugby ParkRugby Park is a football stadium situated in the Scottish town of Kilmarnock. It was first used in 1899 and is the home of Kilmarnock FC.It underwent a major redevelopment in 1994–95, becoming an all-seater stadium with a capacity of 18,128...
|
18,128 |
Kilmarnock Kilmarnock Football Club are a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Founded in 1869, "Killie" are the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. Home matches are played at Rugby Park. They are currently members of the Scottish Premier League and are managed...
|
|
Easter RoadEaster Road is the home ground of Scottish Premier League football club Hibernian. Located in the Leith area of Edinburgh, the stadium has a capacity of 17,500. This means that it is presently the seventh largest stadium in Scotland and the largest stadium used primarily for football in Edinburgh...
|
17,500 |
Hibernian Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their rivals Hearts, who Hibernian play in the Edinburgh derby...
|
First British Stadium to have floodlights |
Tynecastle StadiumTynecastle Stadium is a football stadium situated in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh, Scotland. The stadium currently plays host to the home matches of Scottish Premier League team Heart of Midlothian F.C. The all-seater stadium is affectionately nicknamed Tynie by Hearts fans...
|
17,420 |
Heart of MidlothianHeart of Midlothian F.C. is a football club from Edinburgh, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. They are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian....
|
Hearts have played some European games at Murrayfield StadiumMurrayfield Stadium is a sports stadium located in the west end of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland...
|
| Tannadice Park Tannadice Park, usually referred to as Tannadice, is a football stadium located on Tannadice Street in the Scottish city of Dundee. The stadium is home of Dundee United F.C. and has a capacity of 14,209...
|
14,209 |
Dundee United Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, 2009 is Dundee United's centenary year. The club changed to the present name in 1923...
|
|
Fir ParkFir Park Stadium is a football stadium situated in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. The stadium plays host to the home matches of Scottish Premier League club Motherwell. The stadium is all-seater with a capacity of 13,742...
|
13,742 |
MotherwellMotherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell. The club competes in the Scottish Premier League and is one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
|
|
McDiarmid ParkMcDiarmid Park is the home stadium of St. Johnstone Football Club from Perth, Scotland. It has an all-seated capacity of 10,673. The record attendance is 10,525, which occurred on 23 May 1999, when Tayside rivals Dundee were the visitors for the last game of the season.-History:For 65 years, St...
|
10,673 |
St. Johnstone |
First Purpose Built All Seater Stadium in the UK |
| Falkirk Stadium The Falkirk Stadium is a football stadium in Falkirk in central Scotland, which plays host to the home matches of Falkirk. The club moved to the stadium in 2004 after Brockville Park was sold to supermarket chain Morrisons....
|
9,706 |
FalkirkFalkirk Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Falkirk, playing in the Scottish Premier League.Falkirk finished 7th in seasons 2006–07 and 2007–08. Falkirk's 2008–09 season ended on a high when they defeated Inverness to perform an amazing escape act and avoid...
|
The temporary (east)stand opposite the main stand increased capacity |
St. Mirren ParkSt. Mirren Park, more commonly known as Love Street, was a football stadium located on Love Street in Paisley, Scotland. The stadium had an all-seated capacity of 10,800 and was the home ground of St. Mirren F.C....
|
8,016 |
St. MirrenSaint Mirren Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Paisley, Renfrewshire. St. Mirren play in the Scottish Premier League, having been promoted from the First Division in 2005–06.St...
|
St. Mirren left their previous stadium Love StreetSt. Mirren Park, more commonly known as Love Street, was a football stadium located on Love Street in Paisley, Scotland. The stadium had an all-seated capacity of 10,800 and was the home ground of St. Mirren F.C....
on 3 January 2009 |
New Douglas ParkNew Douglas Park is a football stadium in Hamilton, Scotland, which serves as the home of Hamilton Academical.The pitch was converted to artificial FieldTurf in 2004. Since winning promotion to the top-flight of Scottish football in May 2008, the artificial surface has had to be replaced by grass...
|
6,000 |
Hamilton AcademicalHamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Accies, are a football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. They were established in 1874 from Hamilton Academy....
|
Half-finished. Temporary stands allow SPL capacity |
All-time SPL table
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 1998–99 season to the end of the 2008–09 season, inclusive.
P
|
Club
|
Ssn
|
Pld
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
F
|
A
|
GD
|
Pts
|
PPG
|
1st
|
2nd
|
3rd
|
4th
|
| 1 |
Celtic The Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
11 |
414 |
304 |
61 |
49 |
1099 |
336 |
+632 |
973 |
2.35 |
6 |
5 |
|
|
| 2 |
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
11 |
414 |
282 |
76 |
56 |
876 |
333 |
+543 |
922 |
2.22 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
|
| 3 |
HeartsHeart of Midlothian F.C. is a football club from Edinburgh, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. They are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian....
|
11 |
414 |
172 |
103 |
139 |
560 |
487 |
+73 |
619 |
1.49 |
|
1 |
4 |
1 |
| 4 |
AberdeenAberdeen Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
|
11 |
414 |
147 |
98 |
169 |
499 |
587 |
-88 |
539 |
1.30 |
|
|
1 |
4 |
| 5 |
Kilmarnock Kilmarnock Football Club are a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Founded in 1869, "Killie" are the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. Home matches are played at Rugby Park. They are currently members of the Scottish Premier League and are managed...
|
11 |
414 |
146 |
100 |
168 |
507 |
591 |
-84 |
538 |
1.29 |
|
|
|
3 |
| 6 |
Hibernian Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their rivals Hearts, who Hibernian play in the Edinburgh derby...
|
10 |
378 |
137 |
97 |
144 |
526 |
526 |
0 |
508 |
1.34 |
|
|
2 |
1 |
| 7 |
MotherwellMotherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell. The club competes in the Scottish Premier League and is one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
|
11 |
414 |
133 |
94 |
187 |
500 |
630 |
−130 |
493 |
1.19 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
| 8 |
Dundee United Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, 2009 is Dundee United's centenary year. The club changed to the present name in 1923...
|
11 |
414 |
112 |
115 |
187 |
451 |
636 |
−185 |
451 |
1.08 |
|
|
|
|
| 9 |
DunfermlineDunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They play at East End Park and are nicknamed The Pars....
|
8 |
302 |
78 |
79 |
145 |
295 |
483 |
−188 |
313 |
1.04 |
|
|
|
1 |
| 10 |
DundeeDundee Football Club, founded in 1893, is a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their home shirt colour is dark blue....
|
7 |
262 |
80 |
61 |
121 |
308 |
412 |
−104 |
301 |
1.14 |
|
|
|
|
| 11 |
Inverness CTInverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club based in Inverness. They compete in the Scottish First Division after being relegated from the Scottish Premier League in 2009....
|
5 |
190 |
60 |
48 |
82 |
222 |
253 |
−31 |
228 |
1.20 |
|
|
|
|
| 12 |
LivingstonLivingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League Third Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team...
|
5 |
190 |
48 |
46 |
97 |
205 |
306 |
−101 |
190 |
1.0 |
|
|
1 |
|
| 13 |
FalkirkFalkirk Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Falkirk, playing in the Scottish Premier League.Falkirk finished 7th in seasons 2006–07 and 2007–08. Falkirk's 2008–09 season ended on a high when they defeated Inverness to perform an amazing escape act and avoid...
|
4 |
152 |
45 |
35 |
72 |
166 |
220 |
−54 |
170 |
1.12 |
|
|
|
|
| 14 |
St. Johnstone |
4 |
148 |
39 |
43 |
66 |
139 |
200 |
−61 |
160 |
1.08 |
|
|
1 |
|
| 15 |
St. MirrenSaint Mirren Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Paisley, Renfrewshire. St. Mirren play in the Scottish Premier League, having been promoted from the First Division in 2005–06.St...
|
4 |
152 |
35 |
39 |
78 |
122 |
229 |
−107 |
144 |
0.95 |
|
|
|
|
| 16 |
Partick Thistle Partick Thistle Football Club are a professional association football club from Glasgow, Scotland. Despite their name, the club are based in the Maryhill area of the city, and have not played in Partick since 1908. They are members of the Scottish Football League, and currently play in the First...
|
2 |
76 |
14 |
19 |
43 |
76 |
125 |
−49 |
61 |
0.80 |
|
|
|
|
| 17 |
Hamilton AcademicalHamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Accies, are a football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. They were established in 1874 from Hamilton Academy....
|
1 |
38 |
12 |
5 |
21 |
30 |
53 |
−23 |
41 |
1.08 |
|
|
|
|
| 18 |
GretnaGretna Football Club were a Scottish football club that represented the town of Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway. Founded in 1946, the club dissolved in 2008 after coming into severe financial difficulties....
|
1 |
38 |
5 |
8 |
25 |
32 |
83 |
−51 |
131 |
0.34 |
|
|
|
|
1 Gretna were deducted 10 points for going into administration in the 2007–08 season.
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
Source: SPL official website
Top scorers
Thirteen players have scored 50 or more goals SPL goals. Former Celtic player
Henrik LarssonHenrik Edward "Henke" Larsson MBE is a retired professional association football player. Larsson won four titles in seven years with Celtic before moving to Barcelona, where he won two titles and the Champions League...
has scored the most goals in the SPL since the inaugural 1998–99 season, with 158 goals. Rangers striker
Kris BoydKris Boyd is a Scottish professional association footballer currently playing for Scottish Premier League side Rangers. He plays as a centre forward, wearing the club's number 9 shirt....
has the most goals of any currently active Premier League player.
| Rank |
Player |
Club(s) |
Goals |
| 1 |
SWE Henrik LarssonHenrik Edward "Henke" Larsson MBE is a retired professional association football player. Larsson won four titles in seven years with Celtic before moving to Barcelona, where he won two titles and the Champions League...
|
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
(1998–2004) |
158 |
| 2 |
SCO Kris Boyd Kris Boyd is a Scottish professional association footballer currently playing for Scottish Premier League side Rangers. He plays as a centre forward, wearing the club's number 9 shirt....
|
Kilmarnock Kilmarnock Football Club are a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Founded in 1869, "Killie" are the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. Home matches are played at Rugby Park. They are currently members of the Scottish Premier League and are managed...
(2000–2006)
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
(2006–present) |
146 |
| 3 |
WAL John HartsonJohn Hartson is a Welsh former professional footballer who played as a striker, best known for his spells with Arsenal and Celtic. Hartson also featured prominently for Wales, earning 51 caps until his international retirement in 2006...
|
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
(2001–2006) |
88 |
| 4 |
AUS Scott McDonaldScott Douglas McDonald is an Australian footballer who currently plays as a striker for Scottish Premier League side Celtic and the Australian national team.-Club career:...
|
MotherwellMotherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell. The club competes in the Scottish Premier League and is one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
(2004–2007)
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
(2007–present) |
86 |
| 5 |
SCO Derek Riordan Derek George Riordan is a Scottish professional association football player who plays for Scottish Premier League club . Riordan started his career with Hibernian, where he established himself as one of the top young players in the Scottish game. He won both young player of the year awards in 2005...
|
Hibernian Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their rivals Hearts, who Hibernian play in the Edinburgh derby...
(2001–2006)
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
(2006–2008)
HibernianHibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their rivals Hearts, who Hibernian play in the Edinburgh derby...
(2008–present) |
75 |
| 6 |
ESP Nacho Novo Ignacio Javier Gómez Novo , simply known as Nacho Novo, is a Spanish professional association football player who currently plays for Rangers....
|
DundeeDundee Football Club, founded in 1893, is a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their home shirt colour is dark blue....
(2002–2004)
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
(2004–present) |
67 |
| 7 |
SCO Stephen Crawford Stephen "Stevie" Crawford is a professional footballer who is currently player-manager for East Fife in the Scottish Second Division.-1990's:...
|
Hibernian Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their rivals Hearts, who Hibernian play in the Edinburgh derby...
(1998–2000)
Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They play at East End Park and are nicknamed The Pars....
(1999–2004)
Dundee UnitedDundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, 2009 is Dundee United's centenary year. The club changed to the present name in 1923...
(2005)
AberdeenAberdeen Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
(2005–2006)
Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They play at East End Park and are nicknamed The Pars....
(2006–2008) |
65 |
SCO Billy DoddsWilliam 'Billy' Dodds is a Scottish former professional footballer, currently working as strikers coach at Dumfries club Queen of the South. Dodds also has media work as a pundit for BBC Scotland and a weekly column in the Scottish Sun tabloid newspaper.He also has a keen interest in horse racing...
|
AberdeenAberdeen Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
(1994–1998)
Dundee UnitedDundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, 2009 is Dundee United's centenary year. The club changed to the present name in 1923...
(1998–1999)
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
(1999–2003)
Dundee UnitedDundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, 2009 is Dundee United's centenary year. The club changed to the present name in 1923...
(2003–2006) |
| ENG Chris Sutton Christopher Roy "Chris" Sutton is an English football manager and former player.In his career, Sutton played for Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Celtic, Birmingham City and Aston Villa. Sutton scored over 150 career goals in over 400 league appearances spanning 16 years in the English...
|
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
(2000–2006) |
| 10 |
ENG Steve Lovell Stephen William Henry "Steve" Lovell is an English professional association footballer, who currently trains with AFC Bournemouth...
|
DundeeDundee Football Club, founded in 1893, is a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their home shirt colour is dark blue....
(2002–2005)
AberdeenAberdeen Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
(2005–2008)
FalkirkFalkirk Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Falkirk, playing in the Scottish Premier League.Falkirk finished 7th in seasons 2006–07 and 2007–08. Falkirk's 2008–09 season ended on a high when they defeated Inverness to perform an amazing escape act and avoid...
(2008–2009) |
56 |
| 11 |
BGR Stilian Petrov |
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
(1999–2006) |
55 |
| 12 |
SCO Colin Nish Colin Nish is a Scottish professional association football player who plays for Scottish Premier League club Hibernian.Nish was a fan of his local side Hibernian as a child, but he started his career with Dunfermline, where he made his debut in the 1998/99 season...
|
Kilmarnock Kilmarnock Football Club are a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Founded in 1869, "Killie" are the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. Home matches are played at Rugby Park. They are currently members of the Scottish Premier League and are managed...
(2004–2008)
HibernianHibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their rivals Hearts, who Hibernian play in the Edinburgh derby...
(2008–present) |
53 |
| 13 |
SCO Darren Mackie Darren Graham Mackie is a Scottish footballer who plays as a striker for Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League. He is currently the club's record Scottish Premier League top goal-scorer.-Career:...
|
AberdeenAberdeen Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
(1998–present) |
52 |
| 14 |
SCO Craig Dargo Craig Peter Dargo is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing with St. Mirren.-Early career:Dargo began his career with Kirkcaldy side Raith Rovers. He scored 29 goals in 82 league games before moving to Kilmarnock on a free transfer in June 2000. He remained at Rugby Park for the next...
|
Kilmarnock Kilmarnock Football Club are a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Founded in 1869, "Killie" are the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. Home matches are played at Rugby Park. They are currently members of the Scottish Premier League and are managed...
(2000–2005)
Inverness CTInverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club based in Inverness. They compete in the Scottish First Division after being relegated from the Scottish Premier League in 2009....
(2005–2007)
St. Mirren (2007–present) |
51 |
SPL managers
The following is a list of the current managers in the SPL. The list is arranged chronologically by appointment.
| Manager |
Club |
Appointed |
| SCO Jim Jefferies Jim Jefferies is the Scottish football manager of Kilmarnock. Born in Musselburgh, East Lothian, he is also a former footballer.-Career:...
|
Kilmarnock Kilmarnock Football Club are a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Founded in 1869, "Killie" are the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. Home matches are played at Rugby Park. They are currently members of the Scottish Premier League and are managed...
|
28 February 2002 |
| SCO Gus MacPherson Angus Ian MacPherson is a former Scottish footballer and is the current manager of St Mirren.-Playing career:...
* |
St. MirrenSaint Mirren Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Paisley, Renfrewshire. St. Mirren play in the Scottish Premier League, having been promoted from the First Division in 2005–06.St...
|
18 December 2003 |
| SCO Billy Reid Billy Reid is a Scottish former footballer and is currently manager of Scottish Premier League club Hamilton Academical....
* |
Hamilton AcademicalHamilton Academical Football Club, often known as Hamilton Accies, are a football club from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. They were established in 1874 from Hamilton Academy....
|
2 June 2005 |
| SCO Craig Levein Craig William Levein is a Scottish former professional footballer and current football manager and Director of Football of Scottish Premier League club Dundee United...
|
Dundee United Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, 2009 is Dundee United's centenary year. The club changed to the present name in 1923...
|
30 October 2006 |
| SCO Derek McInnes Derek John McInnes is a Scottish football player and manager. He is currently the manager of St. Johnstone, having last played in December 2007. McInnes featured prominently for Greenock Morton, Rangers, West Bromwich Albion and Dundee United during his playing career...
* |
St. Johnstone |
1 January 2007 |
| SCO Walter Smith |
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
10 January 2007 |
| HUNROM Csaba László Csaba László is a Hungarian[ manager and former player...]
|
Heart of MidlothianHeart of Midlothian F.C. is a football club from Edinburgh, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. They are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian....
|
11 July 2008 |
| SCO John Hughes |
Hibernian Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their rivals Hearts, who Hibernian play in the Edinburgh derby...
|
8 June 2009 |
| SCO Mark McGhee Mark Edward McGhee is a former professional footballer and current manager of Aberdeen.-Playing career:McGhee played for a host of Scottish and English clubs, before he had to abruptly retire because of injury...
|
AberdeenAberdeen Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
|
12 June 2009 |
| ENG Tony Mowbray Anthony Mark "Tony" Mowbray. is an English former professional football player, and is currently the manager of Celtic...
|
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
16 June 2009 |
| SCO Eddie May Eddie May is a Scottish association football former player and manager, who is currently manager of Falkirk. He played as a midfielder and full back for several clubs, including Hibernian, Falkirk and Motherwell during the 1980s and 1990s.After retiring as a player, May became a coach, developing...
|
FalkirkFalkirk Football Club is a Scottish football club based in Falkirk, playing in the Scottish Premier League.Falkirk finished 7th in seasons 2006–07 and 2007–08. Falkirk's 2008–09 season ended on a high when they defeated Inverness to perform an amazing escape act and avoid...
|
23 June 2009 |
| IRL Jim Gannon James Paul "Jim" Gannon , known affectionately as "Jimbo" is an English-born Irish football manager and former player. He is the former manager of Stockport County having been made redundant as manager of the cash-strapped club at the end of the 2008-09 season...
|
MotherwellMotherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell. The club competes in the Scottish Premier League and is one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
|
29 June 2009 |
- Manager was appointed when club was playing in the Scottish Football League
The Scottish Football League is a league of football teams in Scotland, comprising theScottish First Division, Scottish Second Division and Scottish Third Division....
Championships
| Season |
Winner |
Runner-up |
Relegated |
Top Scorer |
Players' Player of the Year |
Writers' Player of the Year The Scottish Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year is an annual award given to the player who is adjudged to have been the best of the season in Scottish football...
|
| 2008–09 |
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
Inverness CTInverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club are a Scottish football club based in Inverness. They compete in the Scottish First Division after being relegated from the Scottish Premier League in 2009....
|
Kris Boyd Kris Boyd is a Scottish professional association footballer currently playing for Scottish Premier League side Rangers. He plays as a centre forward, wearing the club's number 9 shirt....
27 ( Rangers) |
Scott Brown Scott Brown may refer to:*Scott Brown , former Major League Baseball pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds*Scott Brown , former continuity announcer for Grampian Television*Scott Brown , Scottish DJ...
(Celtic) |
Gary Caldwell Gary Robert Caldwell , is a Scottish football player who currently plays for Scottish Premier League side Celtic and also for the Scottish national team....
(Celtic) |
| 2007–08 |
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
GretnaGretna Football Club were a Scottish football club that represented the town of Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway. Founded in 1946, the club dissolved in 2008 after coming into severe financial difficulties....
|
Scott McDonaldScott Douglas McDonald is an Australian footballer who currently plays as a striker for Scottish Premier League side Celtic and the Australian national team.-Club career:...
25 (Celtic) |
Aiden McGeady Aiden McGeady is a Scottish-born Irish international footballer who plays on the wing or up front for Celtic and the Republic of Ireland internationally.-Club career:...
(Celtic) |
Carlos Cuellar Carlos Javier Cuéllar Jiménez is a Spanish footballer who currently plays for Premier League club Aston Villa. He is primarily a central defender, however under Martin O'Neill he has been known to operate as a right-back....
(Rangers) |
| 2006–07 |
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They play at East End Park and are nicknamed The Pars....
|
Kris Boyd Kris Boyd is a Scottish professional association footballer currently playing for Scottish Premier League side Rangers. He plays as a centre forward, wearing the club's number 9 shirt....
20 (Rangers) |
Shunsuke Nakamurais a Japanese football player who currently plays for Espanyol in the Spanish top flight. He is one of the most prominent and successful Asian players to have played in Europe and...
(Celtic) |
Shunsuke Nakamurais a Japanese football player who currently plays for Espanyol in the Spanish top flight. He is one of the most prominent and successful Asian players to have played in Europe and...
(Celtic) |
| 2005–06 |
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
Heart of MidlothianHeart of Midlothian F.C. is a football club from Edinburgh, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. They are one of the two principal clubs in the city, the other being Hibernian....
|
LivingstonLivingston Football Club is a Scottish association football club based in Livingston, West Lothian. The club currently plays in the Scottish Football League Third Division.The club was founded in 1943 as Ferranti Thistle, a works team...
|
Kris Boyd Kris Boyd is a Scottish professional association footballer currently playing for Scottish Premier League side Rangers. He plays as a centre forward, wearing the club's number 9 shirt....
32 (15 - Kilmarnock, 17 - Rangers) |
Shaun MaloneyShaun Richard Maloney is a Malaysian-born Scottish footballer who plays for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League and also for the Scottish national team. He plays on either wing or up front and occasionally as an attacking midfielder...
(Celtic) |
Craig GordonCraig Sinclair Gordon is a Scottish footballer, currently playing as a goalkeeper for both Sunderland and the Scotland national team.-Club career:...
(Hearts) |
| 2004–05 |
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
DundeeDundee Football Club, founded in 1893, is a football club based in the city of Dundee, Scotland. They are nicknamed The Dee or The Dark Blues and play their home matches at Dens Park. Their home shirt colour is dark blue....
|
John HartsonJohn Hartson is a Welsh former professional footballer who played as a striker, best known for his spells with Arsenal and Celtic. Hartson also featured prominently for Wales, earning 51 caps until his international retirement in 2006...
25 (Celtic) |
John HartsonJohn Hartson is a Welsh former professional footballer who played as a striker, best known for his spells with Arsenal and Celtic. Hartson also featured prominently for Wales, earning 51 caps until his international retirement in 2006...
(Celtic) /
Fernando RicksenFernando Ricksen is a Dutch defender/midfielder who last played for Zenit St Petersburg. He plays on the right side of midfield or as a central holding player...
(Rangers) |
John HartsonJohn Hartson is a Welsh former professional footballer who played as a striker, best known for his spells with Arsenal and Celtic. Hartson also featured prominently for Wales, earning 51 caps until his international retirement in 2006...
(Celtic) |
| 2003–04 |
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
Partick Thistle Partick Thistle Football Club are a professional association football club from Glasgow, Scotland. Despite their name, the club are based in the Maryhill area of the city, and have not played in Partick since 1908. They are members of the Scottish Football League, and currently play in the First...
|
Henrik LarssonHenrik Edward "Henke" Larsson MBE is a retired professional association football player. Larsson won four titles in seven years with Celtic before moving to Barcelona, where he won two titles and the Champions League...
30 (Celtic) |
Chris Sutton Christopher Roy "Chris" Sutton is an English football manager and former player.In his career, Sutton played for Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Celtic, Birmingham City and Aston Villa. Sutton scored over 150 career goals in over 400 league appearances spanning 16 years in the English...
(Celtic) |
Jackie McNamara Jackie McNamara is a Scottish professional footballer, who currently plays for Falkirk in the Scottish Premier League. He is a former Scottish international...
(Celtic) |
| 2002–03 |
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
No Relegation |
Henrik LarssonHenrik Edward "Henke" Larsson MBE is a retired professional association football player. Larsson won four titles in seven years with Celtic before moving to Barcelona, where he won two titles and the Champions League...
28 (Celtic) |
Barry FergusonBarry Ferguson, MBE is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He plays for English Premier League club Birmingham City....
(Rangers) |
Barry FergusonBarry Ferguson, MBE is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He plays for English Premier League club Birmingham City....
(Rangers) |
| 2001–02 |
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
St. Johnstone |
Henrik LarssonHenrik Edward "Henke" Larsson MBE is a retired professional association football player. Larsson won four titles in seven years with Celtic before moving to Barcelona, where he won two titles and the Champions League...
29 (Celtic) |
Lorenzo Amoruso Lorenzo Pier Luigi Amoruso is an Italian football defender currently playing for Sammarinese team S.S. Cosmos best known for his six year spell with Glasgow side Rangers.-Life in Italy:...
(Rangers) |
Paul Lambert Paul Lambert is a Scottish football manager and former player who is manager of Norwich City. He achieved great success as a player, winning the Scottish Cup with St...
(Celtic) |
| 2000–01 |
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
St. MirrenSaint Mirren Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Paisley, Renfrewshire. St. Mirren play in the Scottish Premier League, having been promoted from the First Division in 2005–06.St...
|
Henrik LarssonHenrik Edward "Henke" Larsson MBE is a retired professional association football player. Larsson won four titles in seven years with Celtic before moving to Barcelona, where he won two titles and the Champions League...
35 (Celtic) |
Henrik LarssonHenrik Edward "Henke" Larsson MBE is a retired professional association football player. Larsson won four titles in seven years with Celtic before moving to Barcelona, where he won two titles and the Champions League...
(Celtic) |
Henrik LarssonHenrik Edward "Henke" Larsson MBE is a retired professional association football player. Larsson won four titles in seven years with Celtic before moving to Barcelona, where he won two titles and the Champions League...
(Celtic) |
| 1999–00 |
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
No Relegation |
Mark VidukaMark Anthony Viduka is an Australian football centre forward of Croatian and Ukrainian descent. He captained at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany to the last 16. He is currently without a club.-Melbourne Knights:...
25 (Celtic) |
Mark VidukaMark Anthony Viduka is an Australian football centre forward of Croatian and Ukrainian descent. He captained at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany to the last 16. He is currently without a club.-Melbourne Knights:...
(Celtic) |
Barry FergusonBarry Ferguson, MBE is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He plays for English Premier League club Birmingham City....
(Rangers) |
| 1998–99 |
RangersRangers Football Club are an association football team based in Glasgow, Scotland, who currently play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
|
CelticThe Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. Since the club's formation in 1888, Celtic have won the Scottish championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the 2007/08 season, and the Scottish...
|
Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They play at East End Park and are nicknamed The Pars....
|
Henrik LarssonHenrik Edward "Henke" Larsson MBE is a retired professional association football player. Larsson won four titles in seven years with Celtic before moving to Barcelona, where he won two titles and the Champions League...
29 (Celtic) |
Henrik LarssonHenrik Edward "Henke" Larsson MBE is a retired professional association football player. Larsson won four titles in seven years with Celtic before moving to Barcelona, where he won two titles and the Champions League...
(Celtic) |
Henrik LarssonHenrik Edward "Henke" Larsson MBE is a retired professional association football player. Larsson won four titles in seven years with Celtic before moving to Barcelona, where he won two titles and the Champions League...
(Celtic) |
SPL records
Most goals in a season: Celtic, 105 goals, 2003–04
Fewest goals in a season: St. Johnstone, 24 goals, 2001–02
Most points in one season: Celtic, 103 points, 2001–02
Fewest points in a season:
GretnaGretna Football Club were a Scottish football club that represented the town of Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway. Founded in 1946, the club dissolved in 2008 after coming into severe financial difficulties....
, 13 points, 2007–08
Fewest goals conceded in one season: Celtic, 18 goals, 2001–02
Most goals conceded in a season: Aberdeen, 83 goals, 1999–00 & Gretna, 83 goals, 2007–08
Biggest goal difference in a season: Celtic, 80, 2003–04
Biggest home win: Celtic 7-0 Aberdeen (1999–00 and 2002–03); Hibernian 7-0 Livingston (2005–06); Celtic 7-0 St Mirren(2008–09);
Biggest away win: St. Johnstone 0-7 Rangers (1998–99); Dunfermline Athletic 1-8 Celtic (2005–06)
Highest scoring match: Motherwell 5-6 Aberdeen (1999–2000)
Most away wins in a season: Celtic, 13, 2000–01
Fewest away wins in a season: Dunfermline, 0, 1998–99
Most away defeats in a season: Livingston, 16, 2005–06
Fewest home defeats in a season: Celtic, 0, 2001–02, 2002–03,
Top goalscorer in a single season: Henrik Larsson, 35 goals, 2000–01 Celtic
Player with most hat-tricks: Henrik Larsson, 12, 1998–2004
Top goalscorer in any one game: Kenny Miller, 5, 4 November 2000, Rangers v St. Mirren; Kris Boyd, 5, 25 September 2004, Kilmarnock v Dundee United
Oldest player:
Andy MillenAndrew "Andy" Frank Millen is a retired Scottish professional footballer who played in defence and is currently the assistant manager of St. Mirren. During his long career, Millen played for St Johnstone, Alloa Athletic, Hamilton Academical, Kilmarnock, Hibernian, Raith Rovers, Ayr United,...
, for St. Mirren vs Hearts, 42 years 279 days, 15 March 2008
Youngest player:
Scott RobinsonScott Robinson is a Scottish professional football player currently playing for Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premier League....
, for Hearts vs Inverness CT, 16 years 1 months and 14 days, 26 April 2008
Youngest goalscorer:
David GoodwillieDavid Goodwillie is a Scottish footballer who currently plays for Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League.-Club career:...
, for Dundee United vs Hibernian, 16 years 11 months and 4 days, 4 March 2006
Most consecutive clean-sheets:
Robert DouglasRobert James "Rab" Douglas is a Scottish footballer currently playing for Dundee having been released by . He is a goalkeeper and is also a former Scotland international. As a boy, Douglas was a Motherwell supporter.-Celtic:...
, Celtic, 7 games, 16 December 2000 - 21 February 2001
Most SPL appearances:
Steven PressleySteven John Pressley is a Scottish former international footballer, most recently with Falkirk in the Scottish Premier League...
, 306 (correct to the end of the 2008–09 season)
Highest attendance: 60,440, Celtic v St. Mirren, 7 April 2001
Lowest attendance: 431, Gretna v Inverness CT, 5 April 2008
Highest average attendance: 59,369, Celtic, 2000–01
Lowest average attendance: 2,283, Gretna, 2007–08
Programme of the Year
The following clubs have won
Programme of the Year:
- 1998-99
The 1998–99 Scottish Premier League season was the inaugural season of Scottish Premier League football. It began on 1 August 1998.-Overview:...
: Heart Of Midlothian
- 1999-00: Dundee United
- 2000-01
The 2000–01 Scottish Premier League was the third season of the Scottish Premier League. It began in on 29 July 2000.-Overview:2000–01 saw the Scottish Premier League expanded from 10 to 12 clubs, with the league 'split' introduced...
: Dunfermline Athletic
- 2001-02
The 2001–02 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic.As league champions, Celtic qualified for the UEFA Champions League. Runners-up Rangers and third-placed Livingston qualified for the UEFA Cup, as did fourth-placed Aberdeen, who took the final UEFA Cup place due to Rangers beating Celtic...
: Aberdeen
- 2002-03
The 2002–03 Scottish Premier League was won by Rangers.As league champions, Rangers qualified for the UEFA Champions League, with runners-up Celtic also qualifying...
: Aberdeen
- 2003-04
The 2003–04 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic.As league champions, Celtic qualified for the UEFA Champions League, with runners-up Rangers also qualifying...
: Aberdeen
- 2004-05
The 2004–05 Scottish Premier League was won by Rangers.As league champions, Rangers qualified for the UEFA Champions League, with runners-up Celtic also qualifying...
: Aberdeen
- 2005-06
The 2005–06 Scottish Premier League was won by Celtic.As league champions, Celtic qualified for the UEFA Champions League, with runners-up Hearts also qualifying. This marked the first time since 1995 that a club outside the Old Firm of Celtic and Rangers finished in the top two...
: Aberdeen
- 2006-07
The 2006–07 Scottish Premier League season was the ninth season of the Scottish Premier League. It began on July 29 2006.The league champions, Celtic and runners-up, Rangers, qualified for the UEFA Champions League. The team finishing third, Aberdeen qualified for the UEFA Cup, as did the...
: Aberdeen
- 2007-08
The 2007–08 Scottish Premier League season was the tenth season of the Scottish Premier League. It began on 4 August 2007 and was originally due to end on 18 May 2008...
: Aberdeen
- 2008-09
The 2008–09 Scottish Premier League season was the eleventh season of the Scottish Premier League and the second season under the sponsorship of the Clydesdale Bank...
: Aberdeen
See also
External links