The national winners of the annual Scottish FA & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards have been revealed, with the Gorgie Road restaurant in Edinburgh being crowned the winner of the 2020 Football Restaurant of the Year award.
The awards celebrate the efforts of grassroots football volunteers across Scotland who make a difference and go the extra mile to support their local communities.
Launched in March this year, the public response has been extremely strong, despite the challenging circumstances, with the Community Projects category receiving over 351% more votes this year compared to 2019. The awards feature a wide mix of categories which reflect the huge range of roles that volunteers play.
McDonald’s Gorgie Road, owned and operated by local franchisee Graham Angus (pictured above), joins a long list of inspirational grassroots football heroes who have been recognised by the awards programme.
Graham has been involved in the local grassroots community for a number of years, and the team at McDonald’s Gorgie Road support local football at Salvesen FC, as well as developing an innovative partnership by working with the club’s older players looking for a route back into employment.
Graham, who with his team will continue to support grassroots football in the Edinburgh area, added: “It’s an honour to be named Football Restaurant of the Year at the awards this year.
“I’m so proud of the efforts my team have put in to support grassroots football. Over the years our relationship with football teams have thrived. We’ve worked hard to form strong relationships with clubs like Salvesen FC, so we can help provide them with much-needed support to keep grassroots football prosper in the area.”
McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador Kenny Dalglish said: “It’s been a really difficult year for the whole country, but I’m very pleased that we’re able to recognise and celebrate the volunteers who go above and beyond to have a positive impact on their local communities.
“The tireless work of local heroes like Graham Angus and his team at Gorgie Road is what keeps the game going. Graham and his team should be extremely proud of his achievements and grassroots football in Scotland is in a much better place with them being a part of it.”
The Scottish FA & McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards are part of McDonald’s ongoing Community Partnership with the Scottish FA.
To find out more about McDonald’s partnership visit:
‘One of the best’ – Scottish coaching legend Donald Park wins lifetime achievement award
Donald Park, affectionately known as ‘Parky’, has been announced as the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s UK Coaching Awards, which took place virtually on Thursday (3 December).
The award was officially presented to the former Scotland Under-19s coach by Scottish FA Head of Coach Education and Development Greig Patterson on the evening of the prestigious event, to recognise his achievements through a lifetime dedicated to coaching.
Originally from Lochaber in the Highlands, Parky’s impact on Scottish football has stretched far and wide. Across his career, which spans five decades, he has been a player, coach, manager, coach educator, volunteer and member of staff with the Scottish FA. His reach has largely included working with young Scottish talent at grassroots clubs, professional clubs and at international level.
Pro-footballer to full-time coach
As a player, he is best remembered for his time at Patrick Thistle and two spells at Hearts. His coaching career saw him take up posts at Meadowbank Thistle, Arbroath, Hibs, Inverness Caledonian Thistle – where as assistant manager, working under John Robertson, he helped the team win the Scottish First Division and promotion to the Scottish Premier League – and finally, as head coach of the Scotland Under-19s.
So deep was Parky’s commitment to nurturing the footballing talent of young people across Scotland, he spent a lot of his time travelling back north to the Highlands, even whilst based at Hampden Park in Glasgow, to share his wisdom with youth players.
He was also Head of Coach Education at the Scottish FA for eight years, where he worked to develop and broaden coaching opportunities, and used his influence to write, design and deliver coach learning to thousands of coaches. Parky was the driving force behind a bespoke UEFA B Licence for Scotland’s women’s team players, helping several start their coaching journey.
Having retired from his head coaching role with the Scottish FA in 2018, he returned to Hearts to support the youth coaches at the club’s academy as a coach mentor.
Parky continues to give back to the part of the game he loves most: grassroots football. He can be found as a volunteer at his local club, Spartans in Edinburgh, where he currently works with their Under-13s.
“He gave me confidence”
Acknowledging the countless hours and infectious enthusiasm he continues to give to the sport he loves, Celtic FC captain Scott Brown said that Parky had shown him the true meaning of being a professional footballer.
“He gave me confidence as a young kid to push myself in every aspect and to truly understand the game. He came in every day with a smile on his face and he always wanted the best for all the lads that came into Hibernian; he had so much time for everyone.”
Former Hibs, Rangers, Celtic, Wolves, Derby, Cardiff and Scotland striker Kenny Miller called Parky “one of the best” he’d ever worked with and former Hibs and Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson said that he was one of his favourite coaches throughout his whole career.
“As a young player, he helped guide me on the right values you need not only as a player but as a person.
“His demand of the highest standards every day are the same that I demand of my players now as a coach at Rangers. His infectious personality and love of the game can’t help but make you gravitate towards him.”
Donald Park, said:“If I’m being completely honest, it’s an absolute shock to receive this award. To be presented with this award for doing something that I’ve loved for so long, and been very lucky to be involved in, is very humbling.
“It’s very nice to hear from players and coaches I’ve worked with during my career and what they have to say about me. I’ve been lucky to have worked with so many talented people and seeing some familiar faces when I received the award meant a lot to me.”
Scottish FA Head of Coach Education and Development Greig Paterson, said: “If you’re involved in the game of football at any level in Scotland, then you more than likely know Parky.
“He is renowned for the attention to detail he imparts and he has an incredible ability to have everyone eating out of the palms of his hands during his sessions – whether its grassroots players, senior professionals or coaches undertaking a coach education course.
“His enthusiasm is absolutely infectious and his love for coach education was clear for all to see. I was delighted to be able to come back to the Scottish FA and work closely with Parky, getting to know him better during the three-year period we had before he moved on. There’s not a day that goes by without me reminding myself that I need to live up to the legacy he has left for the coaching workforce in Scotland and beyond.
“It is testament to the man himself that so many people within the game speak so highly of him. It’s a thoroughly deserved award.”
sportscotland’s CEO Stewart Harris, said:“Every year across Scotland, thousands of dedicated sporting enthusiasts devote their time, knowledge and skills to afford others the chance to take part in sport, and experience all the benefits that come with sport participation.
“People like Donald are the bedrock of Scottish sport and I’d like to congratulate him for an incredible career that has largely been dedicated to helping others progress.”
UK Coaching’s CEO Mark Gannon, said: “We would like to add our own salute to the applause and congratulations that Donald richly deserves for his efforts in changing people’s lives across 50 years of coaching.
“Great coaching is about guiding, support and inspiring people to fulfil their aspirations. It is obvious from Donald’s career that he took that responsibility extremely seriously, not only did he help mould great Scottish footballers, he nurtured them to be confident, independent and capable women, men, boys and girls. Well done once again on your fine achievement Donald.”
The UK Coaching Awards showcases the diverse work of coaches, projects and organisations, making a huge difference to the health and happiness of the nation – especially, against the backdrop of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has proposed a new Fans Fighting Fund to help keep football clubs afloat.
Douglas, who is also an assistant referee, is calling for the Scottish Government to match the money that fans raise to save their local teams, as many clubs warn that they will struggle to get through the next few months without funding support.
On Friday, Douglas held a discussion with 24 clubs across each of Scotland’s top divisions to hear about their concerns.
Douglas has previously held similar Roundtable Scotland events with teaching unions, drug recovery organisations and business groups.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said:“On Friday, I spoke with representatives of 24 clubs across Scotland to hear about the perilous state of the game. Clubs told me that they’re on the brink without paying punters in the stadium.
“I’ve taken away a range of issues from the meeting that I want to look at further but this initial suggestion could provide some immediate help.
“I’m proposing that we help clubs out, especially those smaller clubs embedded in communities, with a Fans Fighting Fund. I’d like to see the government commit to matching what fans raise to keep their clubs alive.
“The money from the UK Government is there. The SNP received £97 million to protect culture venues from the impact of Covid and haven’t spent at least £10 million of it. And we all know in Scotland that football is our culture, even more than comedy clubs or theatres.
“As long as clubs commit to paying the living wage and those who can chip in too, this is a fair deal to support football.”
Lothian MSP Miles Briggs said:“Many clubs throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians are in real financial difficulty without any income from supporters.
“This initial proposal would go along way in keeping clubs afloat during what is going to be a very challenging season.
“SNP Ministers must take this proposal seriously to ensure that clubs throughout the region have a fighting change of making it to next season.”
Two test events to be played in front of home supporters
Two pilot Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) matches are to take place in front of 300 home supporters following extensive discussions involving Ministers and the football authorities.
The games – Aberdeen v Kilmarnock and Ross County v Celtic – on Saturday 12 September, have been approved after each of the home teams submitted detailed operational plans for the safe admission of fans.
Both home clubs have undertaken to ensure supporters attending will be local to their areas to keep travel to a minimum.
Proposed pilot events involving Rangers and St Mirren will not go ahead following the extension of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in the west of Scotland.
Each of the home clubs will also provide a post-match report on operational delivery to inform guidance for future pilots. No date has been confirmed for the general resumption of stadia events outlined in the Scottish Government Route Map out of the COVID-19 crisis.
Sports Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “No final decision has yet been taken regarding the general resumption of stadia events with restricted numbers of spectators and nothing should be taken for granted at this stage.
“However, the Scottish Government has agreed that the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) can hold two pilot events, each with 300 home supporters only, on 12 September.
“A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes in recent months to create the protocols and testing regimes to allow top-level professional sport in Scotland to resume, and this arrangement follows extensive discussions with the Scottish FA, SPFL and clubs about public safety – particularly in relation to physical distancing and hygiene measures.
“The football authorities and the clubs involved have also been able to review and learn from the pilot event staged by Scottish Rugby on 28 August and we are confident there will be strict protocols in place at these two initial pilot football events.
“We are keeping all pilot events under close review.”
SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: “The Joint Response Group (JRG) is pleased to have received confirmation of pilot events at two Scottish Premiership fixtures on 12 September and I would like to thank the respective home clubs – and indeed all 12 Premiership clubs – for the comprehensive Return to Supporting plans.
“We look forward to building on the successful supporter rugby pilot at BT Murrayfield and I know that clubs take the responsibility for the safe return of supporters seriously. This is another significant step forward for Scottish football and I reiterate the importance of fans to our national game.
“The JRG will continue to liaise with all clubs, especially the home clubs, in the coming week to ensure all protocols and guidance are adhered to and that fans can look forward to a phased return to supporting their respective teams.”
The First Minister will make a full statement on Thursday (10 September) with a further update on COVID-19, including stadia events, as set out in the revised Scottish Government COVID-19 route map published on 20 August 2020.
As many people will know there’s been a background staff changeover for the season ahead with a new chairman, committee and management team taking over the running of the club.
While we are moving in the right direction we would like to extend an opportunity for anyone interested to come on board as a committee member or match day volunteer.
We have a fantastic set up down at St Marks Park and would like to continue the fantastic work that the previous committee have done in running the club. We are effectively starting from scratch so we are very keen to add to our committee and volunteers as we look to build for the next 44 years.
As a committee member, you will play a major part in how the club moves forward. As part of the committee you will be involved in the general running of the club and be involved in fundraising etc. There will be regular committee meetings to discuss new ideas, and general club matters.
As a volunteer you will be involved on home match days helping with the various jobs before, during and after matches. If you are interested, we will find a job for you to help with, there’s something for everybody! From setting up goals and barriers to serving teas and coffee, to taking in gate money or hanging up kits.
Anyone interested please message us directly on our Facebook page and we can have an informal chat over the phone or a cup of tea down the club. Please do not be put off if you’ve never been involved with a club before, If you have good ideas then we would love to hear from you.
Clubs at our level rely on volunteers, they are the people that make the club run, without you we simply couldn’t do it.
Forget the Golden Boot …PINK football boots have scored the most Premier League goals this season, a new study has revealed.
A new study has looked at every single premier league goal scored this season, revealing that players with PINK football boots have scored the most goals by quite a distance.
Now the 2019/20 premier league season has drawn to a close, new research from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk has looked at every single goal scored and evaluated the data by which football boot performed the best.
Modern football boots come in a range of elaborate colours, to help players stand out and to help market the football boot, but this research shows that pink is the winner this season, as it dominates the goal scoring charts.
Perhaps surprisingly, football boots with pink on them scored a whopping 626 goals this season, 17 times more than black football boots, which only scored 36.
The English Premier League top goalscorer, Jamie Vardy, enjoyed a golden boot season wearing white and pink Adidas and scoring 23 goals through the campaign.
Other notable goalscorers who were on top form throughout the season – and wearing pink football boots – were Danny Ings, Mo Salah and Marcus Rashford.
The research has also revealed that whilst an Adidas football boot scored the most individual goals, the real winner was Nike whose boots outscored Adidas by a whopping 223 goals.
Specifically, the study revealed that the best performing football boot that scored the most goals was the Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII Elite, scoring 191 goals this season.
The data also shows that whilst tried and tested brands like Nike and Adidas stay prominent, Puma, New Balance, Umbro and Under Armour boots all feature in the goalscoring chart too.
A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Football boots throughout the years have become lighter and more dynamic, allowing players to improve their speed and cover longer distances on the pitch.
“Football brands have pushed innovators in the industry to come up with new designs and technological advancements to set themselves apart in a crowded marketplace. But sometimes the best way to set yourself apart is by simply using eye-catching colours!
“We’ve seen fluorescent yellow boots in previous premier league seasons, but the colour pink was the surprising trend this year, as it dominates the scoring charts.
“We were also surprised to see that black boots only scored 36 goals. Gone are the days of the classic Adidas World Cup and Nike Tiempo football boots. Perhaps these will continue to be worn recreationally up and down the country.
“If you are a budding striker, then according to this research, maybe a pair of pink Nike football boots might help you in your goalscoring efforts!”
With England’s Premier League 2020/21 season returning on Saturday, September 12, the NetVoucherCodes.co.uk team will be looking for which colour football boot will dominate the scoring charts next season.
For the full breakdown of the football boot data, please visit:
The Scottish Professional Football League Board today announced that a league-wide consultation exercise has shown there is insufficient support for a new divisional structure and that the current 12-10-10-10 format will remain in place for Season 2020/21.
The SPFL decision will now be challlenged in the courts by Hearts, who have now been relegated. The Gorgie club says the decision is ‘unjust and unfair’.
16 of the 42 clubs favoured changing to a 14-10-10-10 structure, but this was short of the numbers required and, as a result, the SPFL Board has agreed to draw a line under reconstruction talks.
Separately, the ten Championship clubs have voted to approve a 27-game programme, with teams playing each other three times, rather than four.
Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPFL said: “In recent weeks, we’ve been consulting closely with our clubs regarding possible reconstruction and, based on the feedback we received, the board decided to ask all 42 clubs to give their views so that we could have absolute clarity, which we’ve achieved today.
“Whilst a number of clubs were in favour of a new divisional set-up, the support for it was insufficient and we will now move forward with a fixture programme for Season 2020/21 based on the current 12-10-10-10 structure.
“Due to the restrictions forced upon us by the coronavirus outbreak, the Championship clubs also voted overwhelmingly to play each other three times next season, rather than four, which enables a later start to the Championship league season.
“Now that we have a confirmed structure for next season, the SPFL’s fixturing team will begin work on the Premiership fixture list, which will start on the weekend of 1 August, and the Championship fixture list, which will start on the weekend of 17 October.”
Discussions regarding arrangements for Leagues 1 and 2 remain ongoing.
In a statement issued this afternoon, Heart of Midlothian FC vowed to fight on. The club said:
‘The SPFL Board has today announced that any reconstruction proposals for season 2020/21 will not proceed to a vote due to a lack of support from other member clubs.
‘To say we are disappointed, yet sadly not surprised, at this outcome is, of course, an understatement. We have, from the outset, worked tirelessly with fellow clubs and the SPFL Board to try to find a solution that would right the most obvious wrongs that have been caused in Scottish football by decisions taken as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Hearts, along with many others, have stated repeatedly that no club should be disproportionately disadvantaged because of this crisis. This was the final opportunity for kinship to prevail and for Scottish football to stand together in an emergency. It is an unfortunate condemnation of Scottish football that this was not possible.
‘We thank those who were open minded, pragmatic and willing to come together to try and reach a fair outcome for all. Sadly, there were too few of us.
‘Now that all other avenues are closed, we are left with no choice but to proceed with a legal challenge.
‘The club has tried throughout these last few months to avoid this course of action but we must now do the right thing by our supporters, our employees, our players and our sponsors, all of whom have been unwavering in their commitment and support. We can hold our heads up high as we have acted at all times with integrity, common sense and with the best interests of Scottish football at heart.
‘We have stated from the beginning that the unjust and unfair treatment of Hearts, Partick Thistle, Stranraer and indeed other clubs cannot be allowed to go unchallenged. While many weeks have been wasted in trying to find a solution, we must now formally challenge this outcome.
‘The club can confirm that the necessary steps have been taken to begin this legal challenge. Given that this is now an active legal matter, the club will be offering no further comment at this time.
‘To our amazing fans we say that we cannot, and will not, sit idly by and watch the decisions made in the past few months further damage Heart of Midlothian Football Club. Thank you for fighting for us, now allow us to do the same for you.’
Football fans could be sitting on a secret treasure trove after a new study named the most valuable collectables of all time.
With English football restarting this Wednesday, new research has identified exactly which football-related keepsakes have the most value in 2020. From classic replica shirts to sticker albums and other football memorabilia, fans could be sitting on a goldmine without knowing it.
New research from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk has identified exactly which football-related keepsakes have the most value in 2020.
Authentic and vintage shirts can sell for hundreds of pounds online, with footie fans eager to spend a small fortune to collect the memorabilia.
A David Beckham Manchester United home strip from their treble-winning 1999 season is worth £199.99.
Sporting memorabilia has always been a popular pastime for Brits to collect and invest in, with retro football shirts being particularly popular. The 1979-80 season Liverpool Home shirt fetches £499 online, and the Arsenal 1991-92 Away shirt worth £425.
The prices of other rare items, including medals, sticker albums and programmes, have also shot up and they can sell for hundreds. The complete Panini France 98 World Cup sticker album is now worth well above its cost price at £200.
A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Football is one of the UK’s favourite sports and with the Premier League season restarting, the whole country will be tuning back in.
“The upcoming matches are to be played behind closed doors, so there’ll be no new programmes to collect, but Brits may have some of the most sought-after programmes from the last few decades hiding in storage.
“FA Cup Final programmes are always high value, as well as programmes that were printed for a player’s, or manager’s, first or last match.
“It’s especially interesting to see which items the public may have hidden at home already. The team at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk even have a replica World Cup Brazuca football from the 2014 World Cup in their shed, and we’ve found it to be worth £190.
“It’s no surprise that TV shows like Antiques Road Show and Storage Hunters are popular, because Brits dream of finding something of value in the cellar or attic.”
To see the full study of the most valuable football memorabilia which can make Brits a profit, please visit here.
UK Government okays resumption of competitive sport behind closed doors
Guidance permits return to domestic competition from 1 June 2020
First major sporting event expected to be 2000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse on 6 June
Follows guidance supporting the return to training for elite and professional sport
The Culture Secretary has outlined the strict conditions for elite athletes and professional sportsmen and women to resume competitive sport safely behind closed doors in England from 1 June 2020, paving the way for the first domestic live action in almost three months.
The ‘stage three’ guidance, published yesterday by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), has been developed in close consultation with the Deputy Chief Medical Officers of England, Public Health England and medical representatives across Olympic, Paralympic and professional sports governing bodies.
The guidance, designed for competition delivery partners and elite sport organisations, outlines the facilities and processes that will need to be in place, including that there will be no spectators at events.
Providing its conditions are met, one of the first major sporting events is expected to be the 2000 Guineas Stakes race meeting, which would take place at Newmarket Racecourse on 6 June and be broadcast on free to air television.
Following detailed discussions with DCMS, the Deputy Chief Medical Officers and Public Health England, preparations are also being finalised for the Premier League and EFL football to resume later in June. This will be subject to a successful vote from their clubs and approval by safety advisory groups including police.
Further announcements are expected to be made by other sporting governing bodies in due course.
In light of the Government making clear that the Premier League should widen access for fans to view live coverage during the remainder of the season in light of ongoing social distancing measures, the Premier League has this week reached an agreement with its broadcast partners to televise a significant proportion of its remaining matches on free-to-air platforms, including Sky’s ‘Pick’ TV, that is available on Freeview, and for the first time in Premier League history, the BBC.
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden, said: “The wait is over. Live British sport will shortly be back on in safe and carefully controlled environments.
“This guidance provides the safe framework for sports to resume competitions behind closed doors. It is now up to individual sports to confirm they can meet these protocols and decide when it’s right for them to restart.
“This is a significant moment for British sport. By working with clinicians every step of the way, we are creating the safest possible environments for everyone involved.”
The stage three guidance makes clear that the following conditions should be met for the staging of competitive sporting events until further notice:
All competition delivery partners and user groups involved, from the teams and athletes, to the support staff, officials and media, must travel individually and by private transport where possible;
Prior to entering the competition venue, they are expected to carry out a screening process for coronavirus symptoms. Anyone with known or suspected Covid-19 will not be permitted to enter and should be placed, or remain, in isolation and follow the latest Government guidelines;
A one-way system for the movement of people and vehicles should be established around the competition venue;
Social distancing should be maintained by all groups where possible. This includes the competing athletes and support staff on the bench and field of play, such as during any disputes between players and referees, or scoring celebrations;
Where social distancing cannot be maintained, sports governing bodies, clubs and teams should implement a rigorous regime to monitor for symptoms;
Dressing room usage should be minimised, however showers can be used in line with Government guidelines;
All non-essential activities, such as catering, should be limited;
Team / athlete medical staff must ensure they adhere to the latest Public Health England advice, such as through the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. Physiotherapy treatment should be limited to an essential need only;
Competition delivery partners and elite sports organisations should appoint a named COVID-19 Officer to be responsible for oversight of all planning and communications, and a named COVID-19 Medical Officer to have oversight of and manage any individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, to ensure necessary standards are met;
Other restrictions applying to the general population must be adhered to outside of competition venues and official elite training venues.
It is expected that the guidelines will be considered by competition delivery partners (such as the organiser and venue operator) and elite sport organisations (such as the national governing bodies, professional leagues and clubs), and applied to their individual competitions. They will have the responsibility to decide when it is safe and appropriate to move to stage three and resume competition when they have their own protocols in place.
They must also ensure all competition delivery partners and user groups involved in staging a competitive sporting event, from the teams and athletes, to the support staff, officials and media, are fully briefed to ensure they have understood the specific risks and mitigations, and be clear that they must actively ‘opt in’.
It follows ‘stage two’ guidance published on 25 May making clear that elite athletes could resume competitive, close contact training at official elite training venues, so that players can get match fit under carefully controlled medical conditions. However it made clear that time spent within a two metre distance should be kept to a minimum, equipment sharing should be avoided, and communal areas, such as changing rooms, cafes, team rooms and recovery spaces, should remain closed where possible.
‘Stage one’ guidance was published earlier this month, outlining conditions for a return to individual performance training at official elite training venues while maintaining social distancing from teammates and other people outside their households. This included safeguards such as the deep cleaning of facilities and the screening of athletes and staff for coronavirus symptoms before they can enter the training venue by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.
All relevant standards defined in stages one and two for a return to training must continue to apply, and must be satisfied before a sport or sporting event can progress to stage three.
The elite sport return to training guidance intends to minimise the risk to the elite sports community, while also minimising any pressure elite sport places on healthcare workers and the wider community. Like all changes to current measures it will be kept under review in accordance with the Government’s Covid alert system.
The SPFL has today announced that, following consultation with all 12 top-flight clubs, the Board of the SPFL has determined that the 2019/20 Ladbrokes Premiership has been concluded with immediate effect.
As with the Ladbrokes Championship, Ladbrokes League One and Ladbrokes League Two competitions, final season placings have been determined by points per game in league matches played to 13 March 2020 by each club.
The decision means that Celtic are crowned 2019/20 champions and Hearts have been relegated to the Ladbrokes Championship. The final placings in full can be seen below:
Games played
Points
Goal Difference
Points / Game
1
Celtic
30
80
70
2.6667
2
Rangers
29
67
45
2.3103
3
Motherwell
30
46
3
1.5333
4
Aberdeen
30
45
4
1.5000
5
Livingston
30
39
2
1.3000
6
St Johnstone
29
36
-18
1.2414
7
Hibernian
30
37
-7
1.2333
8
Kilmarnock
30
33
-10
1.1000
9
St Mirren
30
29
-17
0.9667
10
Ross County
30
29
-31
0.9667
11
Hamilton A
30
27
-20
0.9000
12
Hearts
30
23
-21
0.7667
SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan said: “Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to officially congratulate Celtic on their achievement of winning the Ladbrokes Premiership this season, and also to sincerely commiserate with Hearts on their relegation.
“We would all have rather seen the league season played out on pitches, in stadiums and in front of supporters. This is not the way anybody involved with Scottish football would have wanted to conclude the league season but, given the grave and unprecedented circumstances that we are facing, the Board has agreed that it is the only practical way forward.
“Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on sporting competitions around the world and the repercussions will be felt for a long time. Scottish Government restrictions and deep concerns for both player and spectator safety left the SPFL with no realistic option but to call the Ladbrokes Premiership now and we thank the Premiership clubs for their support on this decision.”
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “On Friday, Ladbrokes Premiership clubs expressed their clear and unanimous view that there was no realistic prospect of completing the outstanding fixtures from Season 2019/20.
“The SPFL Board met this morning and in line with the express agreement of member clubs in April, the Board determined that League Season 2019/20 and the Ladbrokes Premiership be brought to an end.
“This decision now enables us to pay out around £7 million in fees to help clubs stay afloat during this incredibly difficult time. We will begin processing these payments immediately.
“The focus of all those involved in the game will now turn to how we get football up and running again safely as soon as possible. Next season’s Betfred Cup first round group stage is scheduled to begin in mid-July, with coverage from Premier Sports. The 2020/21 League Season in all four of our Divisions is due to commence on 1 August, which coincides with the start of our new and exclusive five-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports.
“Nobody should be under any illusion as to how complicated and difficult a challenge it will be to return Scottish football to normality. We will be liaising with Government on the best way forward and working to ensure that all of our 42 clubs are playing football again as soon as humanly possible.”
The story’s not over yet, however …
In a statement, Heart of Midlothian said: ‘Following today’s decision to end the 2019/20 Premiership season and expel Heart of Midlothian Football Club from the top flight, the club would like to provide a brief update to both its fans and the wider Scottish football audience.
‘We have stated from the outset that we don’t believe it is right that any club should be unfairly penalised because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was previously indicated that league reconstruction would not generate enough support to pass a vote between member clubs. In recent days a number of positive talks have been held with both the SPFL and member clubs and this topic is currently being revisited.
‘Hearts will shortly submit a member’s resolution that we believe is a pragmatic solution to the issues the game currently faces and a way forward that the clubs can unite behind. It is our belief that this resolution, if supported, will provide an opportunity to avoid disproportionately disadvantaging – financially and otherwise – any club.
‘This is possibly the final chance for our game to stand together, protect each other and not only survive but flourish in the aftermath of this terrible pandemic. Players from across all leagues have shown a desire for reconstruction and having already received support from some clubs we are hopeful that this resolution can positively progress Scottish football.
‘As previously intimated the club has been taking legal advice throughout this process and are continuing to do so. We hope that the resolution being prepared will avoid the need to go down this route. Legal action would be both time consuming and expensive. However the cost to the club of relegation would outweigh these considerations.
‘To our supporters, we thank you for showing patience and continuing to back the club. We will continue to fight against what we believe is an unjust outcome.’
