Three points towards giving premier space to top teams

IAN PAUL

13 Aug 1994

A NEW league set-up, two new teams from the Highlands, a different points system, new managers, new players and renewed stadiums; we should all be tingling with anticipation as the 1994-95 season leaps out of the stalls this afternoon.

But that may not be quite an accurate picture.

The defeat of the country's leading club, Rangers, in Athens before the off, allied to doubts about the validity of the 4 x 10 structure, and fears about the quality of the game in general temper excessive optimism around the football centres.

However, there is not much to be gained by emphasising the negative and so we should look ahead and pray that the reduction in the hectic schedule, the World Cup reminder of how entertaining the old passing game can be, and the introduction of the three-points-a-win system will encourage brave new enterprise in the premier division.

Whatever reservations are held about reconstruction, there is no question that, in the top league at least, the change from 44 games to 36 is a giant step forward, even if it is actually back to where we once were.

Celtic's new manager Tommy Burns, who, as Kilmarnock manager, made frequent and strong criticism of the state of the ball game, believes that the cut in the fixture list is bound to make space for improvement.

"If players get the chance to rest between games you should get better quality performances from them." he said, "and it is better for the supporters to be seeing one game a week generally, rather than two or even three.

Apart from anything, it is too expensive."

He, like his counterpart at Ibrox, Walter Smith, knows that his team will be expected to win every match and, therefore, does not expect the extra point for victory to change his players' attitudes much, but he added: "Maybe it will encourage other sides to go for it."

That, of course, is the basic reason for the change, which follows the English set-up and will prepare our international players for the system that will operate in the European Championship qualifying, even if some would like to have seen a more radical alteration, to three points for an away win.

But it might still be a futile hope that when the crunch comes later in the season the relegation candidates, of whom there could be quite a few, will opt for the gamble rather than the safety first course.

Celtic, who have not won anything for five years, cannot spend too much time concerning themselves with safety.

They need to get out of the stalls fast and keep the pace going all the way along.

But Falkirk at Brockville have not been passive opponents in recent years and, even if they are newly promoted, it is certain that Jim Jefferies' men will be well warmed up for this exciting opening fixture.

Burns has decided on his first team as Celtic manager but, in keeping with the current tradition, reveals only that he is taking a 16-man squad to Brockville.

"Making the choice was not all that difficult, considering the size of squad we have.

There is not a lot of competition in certain areas but that is something we have to sort out in due course."

Burns has been happy with the response he has received from the players whom he hopes have begun to learn the major lesson he feels he brought with him from Kilmarnock, that playing for each other is what matters most.

"I feel the players here have been playing as individuals, understandably, as pressures mounted each season, but what we have been trying to get across on the training pitch is that they must work as a team, work for each other and then it is up to the creative players to take their extra responsibility."

Falkirk, with former Celtic man Steve Fulton, bought from Bolton for £150,000, in their midfield, will be all the wiser for their last venture in the top league, when they made a big impression even as they failed to stay up, and it could be a thrilling afternoon.

Celtic, incidentally, are producing a discount package covering ten home games for far-away fans, those from Ireland, England and the north of Scotland, but it will not also include the Old Firm match at Ibrox.

Rangers, for the first time in their history, go into their opening game of the season with a big disappointment already weighing heavily on their supporters.

But the 2-0 defeat by AEK Athens in the Champions Cup preliminary round first leg must be pushed aside as the champions are presented with a sixth successive title flag before the meeting with Motherwell at Ibrox.

Manager Walter Smith has chosen a pool which is missing Ian Ferguson, because of a hamstring injury, and Gordon Durie, because of suspension.

Also left out following the Athens defeat is Gary Stevens, but Dave McPherson is back.

Motherwell bring in Dougie Arnott and Miodrag Krivokapic, who missed the 3-0 win over Havnar Boltfelag in midweek, and manager Alex McLeish is well aware of the motivation that will spur Rangers after their European loss."It will be one hell of a game," said the former Aberdeen defender.

Dundee United manager Ivan Golac has begun the season with disciplinary action against forward Andy McLaren, who is left out of the squad for the game against Hibs at Easter Road after turning up late for training yesterday.

"He apologised, but he will be fined."

McLaren is one of five members of the cup final team who will be absent in Edinburgh.

Guido van de Kamp has been transferred, while Maurice Malpas, Jim McInally and Christian Dailly are injured.

And the man who missed the final because of suspension, Billy McKinlay, is still banned.

Hibs, who should have Willie Miller fit to play, have a doubt about Keith Wright, but the Darren Jackson-Gareth Evans pairing did well in the friendly with Sheffield Wednesday.

Aberdeen have now agreed a £100,000 fee for Theo ten Caat, who moves to Vitesse Arnhem.

More important for manager Willie Miller is a winning start against Hearts at Pittodrie.

Said Miller: "The new players we've bought are all positive types which shows our intent.

Our philosophy is to win and entertain.

We have four successive home games and there is no reason why they can't have a fine start."

Paul Kane, who missed the midweek UEFA Cup tie in Latvia through suspension, returns to midfield and winger Andy Roddie is also added.

Hearts have major problems with Craig Levein and Graeme Hogg suspended, Mo Johnston injured and Gary Mackay and Neil Berry doubtful, but manager Tommy McLean expects his men to show "what this club means to them" after the traumatic close season.

Partick Thistle had hoped to have another new face, besides Derek McWilliams, in their line-up to meet Kilmarnock at Firhill but they have made no progress in their attempt to sign Gary Gillespie of Celtic.

Killie's new manager, Alex Totten, has re-signed Bobby Williamson, Bobby Geddes and Tom Black for two more years .New men Robert Connor and Steve Maskrey are in the pool but Shaun McSkimming and Tom Brown are doubtful.

Taken from the Herald