Preview of SPL clubs

[McNasara]

I have a bank (with an initial balance of 2k e) only for this league. I wasn't able to bet from start of the season, but hope I'll catch up until the end of the season with your help, course. For the beginning believe that wouldn't be bad to set here some facts and informations which may be of benefit to all who follow this competition. If you disagree with anything feel free to replicate. ;) Here we go :cigar The Scottish Premier League (SPL) contains 12 teams. During the first phase of the season, each team plays three matches against each opponent, twice away and once at home, or twice at home and once away. After 33 games, the league splits into two groups of six, according to their points earned, a "split league format". The clubs will compete only within their groups during the second phase. The top six teams contest for the championship and European competitions, with the bottom six battling to retain their top flight status. So, the top six play each other once more, as the bottom six clubs, making 38 games total. Points achieved during the first phase of the season will be carried forward to the second phase, but the teams in the bottom group can finish no higher than seventh in the league. After completing a season, the top two teams have to go through qualifying rounds to enter the UEFA Champions League. The third placed team is qualified for the UEFA Cup, along with the Scottish FA Cup winners. Only the bottom placed club will be relegated to a lower division.

[McNasara]

Re: Preview of SPL clubs Celtic fact> After reaching the 1967 European Cup Final, Celtic became the first British team and only Scottish team, to win the European Cup. coach>> Neil Lennon - with assistant Mjallby (both former Celtic players) took over the club in a very difficult time after failure of Mowbray (worst manager in club's history). He's not very experienced, but the new agreement demonstrates that the club counts on the Northern Irishman and former captain. 7/10 defence> may not yet well-coordinated, but it's good quality. 6/10 midfield> experienced captain Brown and Commons lead all good foreign midfielders. 9/10 attack> quite young and very talented group of strikers. 9/10 preparation matches and transfers> 4-0-4; only striker Maloney was important departure, but defensive is well reinforced with four new players (Forster, K. Wilson, Matthews and Wanyama). 6/10 Celtic Park (60,500) > Glasgow Celtic have considered the possibility of increasing the capacity of Celtic Park by redeveloping the Main Stand. A completed two-tier bowl stadium would give Celtic Park a capacity of nearly 75,000. They had the 13th highest average attendance in Europe last season. Celtic's (catholics) traditional rivals are Rangers (protestants); collectively, the two clubs are known as the Old Firm. expectation> 7,4/10 - Last year's group is more experienced for one season. A fierce fight for the title... 1-2 place Rangers info> Rangers have won 54 League Championships, more top-flight national championships than any other club in the world. club was bought by Scottish businessman Craig Whyte on 6 May 2011 for £1 due to Rangers' large outstanding debts. coach>> Ally McCoist - the greatest legend of the club 4 years was assistant to Smith, but this will be his first time to independently lead a team. 7/10 defence> gk McGregor, Whittaker, Papac, Broadfoot and newcomers make a very strong defense. 9/10 midfield> Davis and Edu control midfield. 7/10 attack> Jelavic, Naismith and Lafferty are great strikers. 9/10 preparation matches and transfers> 3-0-5; the only significant departure is the best defender Bougherra, but Bocanegra, Wallace and Goian have stepped up defense. 5/10 Ibrox Stadium (51,000) > Glasgow There are currently plans underway for a redevelopment of Ibrox stadium which could result in Ibrox being rebuilt as a 70,000 seated stadium – which would make it the second largest club football stadium in Britain after Old Trafford. The club's most distinct rivalry is with Celtic, but many Rangers fans see Aberdeen as a bitter rival. expectation> 7,4/10 - The coach is under pressure to win a fourth consecutive title... 1-2 place

[McNasara]

Re: Preview of SPL clubs Hearts fact> Hearts have recently had financial problems, sometimes being incapable of paying the playing staff on time and owner Vladimir Romanov looks set to sell the club on. coach>> Paulo Sérgio - inexperienced Portuguese came when season is already started and this is his first job abroad. 5/10 defence> captain Zaliukas leads a strong defense line. 7/10 midfield> Driver, Skacel, Stevenson and Jonsson are experienced players. 6/10 attack> Kyle, Templeton, Sutton and Elliot are all good strikers. 7/10 preparation matches and transfers> 4-0-3; defense is a bit weakened by departures Wallace and Bouzid, but Hamill and Grainger have replaced them, while arrived and very good striker Sutton. 5/10 Tynecastle Stadium (17,500) > Edinburgh In the 2007-08 season and 2008-09 seasons, Tynecastle was voted as having the best atmosphere in SPL. Hearts have a traditional local rivalry in Edinburgh with Hibs; the Edinburgh derby match between the two clubs is one of the oldest rivalries in world football. expectation> 6/10 - recently all depends on financial situation... 3-5 place St Johnstone info> Club have historically floated between the top two divisions of Scottish football, obtaining the reputation of being a "yo-yo club". coach>> Steve Lomas - as ex player of Man City and West Ham, only 35 years old Lomas was presented to the media as the new St Johnstone manager in November 2011, Brown (the longest serving club chairman in Scottish football with 25 years) announced that he was going to pass control of the club to his son Steven. 5/10 defence> probably the most experienced defense in the league. 7/10 midfield> captain Morris, Davidson, Millar and Craig make a solid midfield. 6/10 attack> only newcomers Sandaza and Sheridan have needed quality. 3/10 preparation matches and transfers> 3-2-0; Grainger and Dubbery left defense group, as well as several attackers. But experienced Davidson and Wright came to defense, Sandaza and Sheridan reinforced attack. 6/10 McDiarmid Park (10,700) > Perth Spectators in the front rows of the stands are not necessarily sheltered, while the stadium has been criticised for lacking atmosphere. Club also attracted criticism for charging visiting supporters more than away supporters, a practice that became commonplace. St Johnstone share a Tayside rivalry with both Dundee and Dundee United. expectation> 5,4/10 - if they can increase efficiency, this will be a good season for them... 3-5 place Motherwell info> Well haven't dropped out of the top-flight of Scottish football since 1984, but have only lifted one trophy in that time – the Scottish Cup in 1991. coach>> Stuart McCall - former Rangers and Scotland player. As for the coaching job he didn't too experienced, but a nice future is ahead of him. 6/10 defence> captain Craigan leads very solid defense with Hateley, Hamell, Clancy... 6/10 midfield> Jennings, Humphrey, Lasley and Law are good mf's. 6/10 attack> experienced Higdon and young Murphy are only real strikers. 4/10 preparation matches and transfers> 3-0-1; the best striker Sutton had gone, Higdon came in its place, and Clancy and Law. 5/10 Fir Park (13,700) > Motherwell Pitch looked quite bad in the last seasons, but some repairs are made recently. Though, Vice-Chairman Derek Weir indicated that the club are 'nowhere near' a ground move, insisting that the 15 million pounds it would take to make it happen would be a step too far for a club the size of Motherwell. expectation> 5,4/10 - If they escape injuries of important players, it's expected a good placement... 3-5 place

[McNasara]

Re: Preview of SPL clubs Dundee Utd fact> United were founder members of the Scottish Premier League (SPL) in 1998 and have been ever-present in the competition since then. coach>> Peter Houston - is at present the longest continuous serving manager in the league. So far he has a pretty good balance on his first solo work. 6/10 defence> nothing special, Kenneth and Dixon leads. 3/10 midfield> enough experience with Severin, Flood, Swanson, Rankin and S.Robertson. 5/10 attack> only captain Daly has benefits, the other forwards are quite young. 3/10 preparation matches and transfers> 6-2-1; imortant midfielders Conway, Robertson, Bauben, Gomis, including key man striker Goodwillie left club, and less quality players (Flood, Rankin...) replace them. 3/10 Tannadice Park (14,200) > Dundee Stadium is situated a mere 170 yards (160 m) away from Dens Park, home of the biggest rivals Dundee; the two stadia are the closest senior football grounds anywhere in the world. Other big rivals are Aberdeen and St Johnstone. expectation> 4/10 - struggle for the top half of table... 6-7 place St Mirren info> They hardly avoided relegation last season. coach>> Danny Lennon - promising coach decided to make wholesale changes in the playing and backroom staff and also developing a new formation and philosophy this season. He agreed a new contract with St. Mirren in November 2011. 5/10 defence> gk Samson, Mair, van Zanten and McAusland make a solid defense. 5/10 midfield> captain Goodwin, Thomson, Teale and Murray are all over 30 years. 2/10 attack> newcomers are the only solutions. 2/10 preparation matches and transfers> 2-1-2; a few important players have gone, including strikers the most there. But McGowan, Thompson and Hasselbaink are new strikers, Teale mf and Tesselaar df. 5/10 St Mirren Park (8,000) > Paisley St Mirren Park, more commonly know amongst supporters as "Greenhill Road", is a stadium constructed and is the new home of St Mirren, who moved there 2009. This stadium has become the regular home of the Scotland national under-21 football team. expectation> 3,8/10 - if escape injuries, they can be in the top half of the table.... 6-7 place

[McNasara]

Re: Preview of SPL clubs Hibernian fact> Hibernian were founded in 1875 by Irish immigrants and the Irish heritage of Hibernian is still reflected, however, in its name, colours and badge coach>> Pat Fenlon - Irishman was very successful in their home country. Dundee United attempted to poach him unsuccessfully earlier and this is first job in SPL for him. 5/10 defence> captain Murray is one of better in average defense. 3/10 midfield> nothing special, just Sproule experienced, and Wotherspoon promising. 3/10 attack> although the players are solid, three of the four are newcomers. 3/10 preparation matches and transfers> 2-2-2; team has drastically changed cadre and the biggest disadvantage is departure of the first scorer Riordan. Many new players, mostly experienced like strikers O'Connor, Agogo, defender O'Hanlon, mf Osbourne and Sproule. 4/10 Easter Road Stadium (20,300) > Edinburg Redevelopment of the stadium began in 1995 and was finally completed in 2010. Easter Road is also known by Hibs fans as "The Holy Ground" or "The Leith San Siro". The biggest rival is the city's neighbor Hearts, course. expectation> 3,6/10 - successful fight for survival... 8-10 place Kilmarnock fact> Founded in 1869, KFC is the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. coach>> Kenny Shiels - After Mixu Paatelainen left Kilmarnock to become the head coach of the Finland national football team, Shiels became caretaker manager and On 15 June 2011 he became manager of Kilmarnock on a permanent basis. 4/10 defence> captain Pascali and gk Bell is the best part of defense. 3/10 midfield> Fowler, Kelly with newcomers Buijs and Harkins make solid midfield. 4/10 attack> only newcomers Shiels and Heffernan provide confidence. 3/10 preparation matches and transfers> 3-3-2; four very important players left, but Harkins, Shiels, Heffernan and Buijs replace them. 4/10 Rugby Park (18,100) > Kilmarnock In August 1999, Rugby Park was used for a fictitious Scottish Cup semi-final in the Robert Duvall film A Shot at Glory. The film also starred former Kilmarnock striker Ally McCoist. expectation> 3,6/10 - successful fight for survival... 8-10 place Aberdeen (the Dons) fact> Club with rich tradition (under the management of Alex Ferguson) and one of only 3 Scottish teams that have never been relegated from the Top Division. coach>> Craig Brown - most experienced in the league, 71 year old former Scotland and Motherwell coach. 7/10 defence> solid with captain Foster. 4/10 midfield> young, Clark is only experienced. 2/10 attack> best team player Vernon is only stand out. 2/10 preparation matches and transfers> 5-1-3; important strikers Aluko and Maguire are out, while midfielder Clark is the only real reinforcement. 3/10 Pittodrie Stadium (21,200) > Aberdeen Aberdeen attract support from the city and surrounding areas, as they have no geographically close rivals (their nearest neighbours at the same level are in the city of Dundee - "new firm derby"). Currently, Aberdeen have a minor rivalry with Inverness Caley Thistle, due to the fact both Aberdeen and Inverness are the two largest settlements in the north of Scotland (North-East Derby).Remaining big rival is Rangers. The club are examining a move to a New Aberdeen Stadium, which if given the go ahead will seat around 22,000 but could be increased to 30,000–35,000 should a major event require a stadium of that size in Scotland. expectation> 3,6/10 - successful fight for survival... 8-10 place

[McNasara]

Re: Preview of SPL clubs Inverness CT fact> Club formed in August 1994 following the bitter merger of Caledonian and Inverness Thistle. Over the first ten years of their existence the club had been responsible for a total of 11 'shocks' and as a result had gained themselves a reputation as being "giant killers". coach>> Terry Butcher - former captain of England and Rangers player. With assistant Malpas (ex Scotland and Dundee Utd player) came to the club 2009. 6/10 defence> ower than average quality defense. 2/10 midfield> Hayes, Ross and Tansey leads very young and talented group of players. 3/10 attack> captain Foran and newcomer Tade are only above average. 2/10 preparation matches and transfers> 5-4-0; a lot of experienced players had gone, including the first scorer Rooney, but younger Tade, Tansey, Shinnie and Piermayr replace them. 4/10 Caledonian Stadium (7,800) > Inverness Have the lowest capacity in SPL and the closest rival is Aberdeen. They plan to expand the number of seats in the future. expectation> 3,4/10 - inexperience leads them to struggle for survival.... 11-12 place Dunfermline (the Pars) fact> Dunfermline Athletic are the only club to have been relegated twice from the SPL. coach>> Jim McIntyre - the youngest coach (39) in the start this league season (ex Dundee Utd player) is for 4 years in the club. His philosophy of the game is very attractive. 4/10 defence> it seems that captain McCan and others are very slow (average nearly 30 age). 2/10 midfield> Cardle and Burns keep midfield. 3/10 attack> experienced Kirk is maybe and key man of team. 3/10 preparation matches and transfers> 0-3-2; two important defenders go out and they tried that compensate by bringing new players (Gallacher, Potter, Thomson). 2/10 East End Park (12,200) > Dunfermline Club announced in November 2011 that the North Stand was to close, in order to reduce operating costs. Dunfermline Athletic don't have traditional rivalries in the SPL. expectation> 2,8/10 - may be difficult survive in the league... 11-12 place

[McNasara]

Re: Preview of SPL clubs Is there anybody out there (PF)? :cigar

[Sir Puntalot]

Re: Preview of SPL clubs Nice posts McNasara. :ok Not entirely sure what you're trying to achieve with it though, especially with it being such a top heavy league, ie Rangers/Celtic win everything nearly all the time. Look forward to seeing what bets you fancy in the divisional threads. :ok

[McNasara]

Re: Preview of SPL clubs thanks boss... :cigar I take only a few specific competitions that seriously follow and consider, of course there are most of my picks and stake. It would be greatest forum if everyone decided for only specific leagues, because there are no many good general tipsters. I follow Scottish, Irish and Dutch top league for a long time and my presence here will be based on it. And doing this kind of review of clubs for these leagues because it's helpful in the future. :ok