Neil Doncaster

By Graham Barnstaple
August 3 2012

On the eve of the new SPL season it looks as though the forecast financial Armageddon has been averted. 

Over the last week we have heard that SKY and ESPN will stand by their contracts and have agreed new deals for the next five years. While this is a little less than the previous deal agreed, due to start next season, it retains a steady income for the 12 clubs.

It is interesting to hear Neil Doncaster say today we now need to work together and the clubs to engage with their fans and move forward. This seems to be a complete U-turn from the man who warned we could lose the TV deals and the clubs would be in financial trouble.

We have also seen the fans, who have been criticised by so many in the mainstream media for their role in the voting intentions of their clubs, stand up and be counted.

Many have seen season ticket sales increase from last season, and for tomorrow’s start Dundee andAberdeenhave sold out their away allocations at Kilmarnock andCelticPark. This on top of healthy crowds in the three European ties in midweek, although the results weren’t what we were looking for.

Hopefully now the domestic season is upon us we can forget about all this nonsense and look forward with positivity.