The Scottish Premier League has been a duopoly since 1985 with Celtic and Rangers winning 24 titles between them since then; and while financial restrictions have narrowed the gap there remains a gulf between the Glasgow giants and the rest of the league. In recent seasons Hearts, Hibs and Motherwell have all tried and failed to become the first non-Old Firm winner since Alex Ferguson's excellent Aberdeen side.
Roller-Coaster Season
Last season was one of the most compelling in recent years, supporters of all clubs (with the exception of Gretna) enjoyed a roller-coaster ride of excitement right up to the final day of the season. While Celtic claimed the SPL trophy following an emotional final evening in Dundee, Rangers could still look back with much pride following Walter Smith's rejuvenation of the club during 2007/2009. A UEFA Cup final appearance and two domestic trophies represented a massive improvement from the Paul Le Guen era.
Rangers Under Pressure
The stakes couldn't be much higher for Rangers - Celtic are attempting to win their fourth consecutive title in season 2008/2009. Gordon Strachan became the first Celtic manager since Jock Stein's 9-in-a-row era from 1966 to 1974 to deliver 3 on the trot; this season offers the opportunity to further extend the bhoy's domestic dominance and leave Rangers in even more agony. The Ibrox side commence their new SPL campaign fresh from a disastrous 2-1 aggregate Champions League defeat in Kaunas.
Confidence has been severely dented, Rangers' Lithuanian defeat leaves them without any European Football to look forward to for the rest of the 2008/2009 season, a huge blow from a financial perspective. Their focus is now exclusively on domestic football and manager Walter Smith is under pressure to deliver the SPL title to Ibrox.
Who's The Best Of The Rest?
The SPL remains a two-tier league, and below the Old Firm lies a great opportunity for clubs such as Aberdeen and Dundee United to press claims as to who is the best outside of Glasgow. Last season Motherwell surprised everyone by claiming 3rd spot, and it was especially admirable when considering Club Captain Phil O'Donnell's tragic death in December. The Fir Park side continue to be managed by former Celtic and Aberdeen star Mark McGhee and his leadership and motivational prowess can certainly lead to an appearance in the UEFA Cup group stages given a favourable 1st round draw.
The Edinburgh teams Hearts and Hibernian are both in a period of transition under new managers Csaba Laszlo and Mixu Paateleinen, and this season is too early for either of them to seriously consider breaking into the top two. Both are capable of qualifying for the UEFA Cup, and in the Tynecastle side's case in particular, a massive improvement is required on last season's offering when relegation was a possibilty until the sad demise of Gretna.
All To Play For
While a new challenge will be welcome to neutral observers It is doubtful that any of the other teams can compete with the size of the squads that the Old Firm possess. So while Celtic must start as clear favourites to win a fourth consecutive title, Rangers unexpected absence from European competition means that they will be undoubtedly fresher at key stages. Don't be at all surprised if this results in another photo finish between the pair.
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