Going Up To The Basement? A Cynic’S View Of Promotion

[CCjag]

With all the talk of reconstruction which is, in reality, little more than an exercise akin to rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic after somebody got too much ice in their G & T, it does seem as though Scottish Football will undergo some sort of cosmetic surgery in the foreseeable future.

The one positive element in an otherwise blatant attempt at preserving as near as they can get to the status quo will be the redistribution of some cash to ensure that the team emerging as Champions of the First Division will earn more than the currently derisory figure of less than £70,000 or approximately one tenth of the sum accrued by the side finishing in the current SPL relegation slot!

This disparity has been one of the major causes of the incestuous nature of the SPL – truly a Self Preservation League.

As we know to our cost, promoted teams generally reach the SPL already massively handicapped by the financial disparity, a problem exacerbated by the bonuses which will be due to playing and management staff, to necessary ground improvements, additional policing costs and the need to recruit a new team in an attempt to stay in Scotland’s Promised Land.

To again take Thistle as an example, if we win the League this season will we be going up to the basement?

Regrettably, but viewing the situation realistically, it is difficult to see any other option!

Amidst the miles of column inches devoted to the way forward for Scottish Football and the potential for it to be introduced with a haste far from characteristic of the leaders of our game, the matter of when the increased payment for the winners of the First Division will kick-in has not featured.

Unfortunately, I have little doubts that it will not be applied retrospectively and that even if the new structure comes into force for season 2013-14 ( a fanciful idea if it is to be a reasoned and fully considered re-organisation ) then this will be the worst possible year to be promoted since the financial boost will not be there for us and we will go to the SPL with a cash-strapped handicap which would make us more of a candidate for a Findus Lasagne than a thoroughbred chase!

Ask me as a fan of almost fifty years and I will unhesitatingly crave the success of a title win and the chance to engage with those currently occupying the upper echelons of the game.

Ask me as a reasoning individual and I fear that such success in 2012-13 could be a poisoned chalice and that a 13-14 win (historical resonance and all) would be a far better option.

Of course , one doesn't get a choice in such matters - or at least one shouldn't - but you have to wonder whether Messrs Rae (Morton), Yorkston (Dunfermline) or our very own Messrs Beattie and Allan are not already pondering on these huge issues and reaching alarming conclusions?

We live in interesting times!

Edited February 10, 2013 by CCjag

[G SUS]

Winning(or at least competing) for the title is incredibly exciting.

 

The prize you get for winning it is an afterthought.

[Lenziejag]

I kind of agree with CCjag that it is difficult for promoted clubs to compete. We started this season, knowing that the consequence of winning the league was likely going to be a dour season battling at the bottom of the league. However, if the proposed restructure goes ahead, the promoted team only has the first part of the season to endure before the slate is wiped clean for the 14 game play off. So I don't agree that it is the worst season to be promoted.

[lady-isobel-barnett]

Off on a tangent and turning it upside down, relegation from the SPL, at least from a fan's point of view, is rarely felt as a disaster. Get promoted and win a few games against the odds especially against the ugly sisters and their Edinburgh counterparts. If we get relegated after a season or two so be it. At least we've done it on a shoestring, that in itself is something of which to be proud.

Agree tho' with the original post. The stated ambition of our Board and previous two managers isn't just to get the Club promoted but to establish ourselves in the top flight. Getting promoted this season could bring extra difficulties. Just have to face these if/when we come to them

Edited February 10, 2013 by lady-isobel-barnett

[Dick Dastardly]

There is no such thing as a bad season to get promotted. Some maybe better than others, but none are bad.

[simoncordiner]

If we win the title this season does that mean we'll always be the reigning 1st division champions? Kinda like what happened with the Tennents Sixes?

 

Chances to win titles don't come around very often, you've got to take the opportunity when it's around and work the hand you're dealt. No matter who wins the first division this year, it's extremely likely they'll end up bottom four of SPL and into the mini league next year.