There may be rather bigger issues to be settled in the SPL at the weekend, but what happens with us on Sunday could have huge knock-on effects for next season and beyond. Below, I'm really just playing devil's advocate and would like to know how you folks see how the possible consequences panning out.
Scenario 1
We win, United lose and we get a place in the qualifiers for the Europa League (that is what it's called, yeah?).
Pros:
This could be huge for the club with the new format of the tournament coming in, the potential for a lot more money should we get into the group stages.
It may also mean the possibility of Severin and Mair staying and potentially improved contract offers for the likes of Kerr, McDonald and Aluko later in the year.
The possibility of a couple of new signings coming in.
The feel good factor it brings to the club as a whole, it generates excitement amongst the fans outwith the banality of the domestic campaign.
It could really spur our young team on to better things in the domestic game, and could give them invaluable experience which will only serve them well in the future.
The early start to the season could see us finally get off to a flying start in the league, which would be a most welcomed change.
At this point, I do want to say that I am loathe to using the term "Cons" as there shouldn't really be a downside to qualifying for Europe, but well, ye know...
Cons:
We fall at the first hurdle and ultimately fail to get into the group stages. The bad feeling amongst the support towards the management team could hit an all time low, at a time when many folk may not have renewed their season tickets. The financial implications and increased apathy could be a disaster for the club.
Do we speculate to accumulate? Money spent on players - whether these are new players or current players on new deals - may be gambled before our Europa future is decided. Do we sign players to get us through to the group stages or wait to see how we get on first? It's a potential Catch 22 situation.
The shortcomings of the management team and the strain on a small and young squad of an early start to the season could mean a rather dull and frustrating domestic league which in turn could lead to more disharmony amongst the support and all the problems that brings with it.
Scenario 2
We do not qualify for Europe.
Pros:
In my mind, there really aren't that many pros to this as this is one of the main goals we have at the start of the season. However, to a large number of our support, it may see the change in management they crave. Perhaps a change in management will boost the club.
It may mean more through the gates if the management does change.
Cons:
The obvious one is the financial side of things. Not just us losing out on the possibility of a large cash injection, but the fact that two of our biggest rivals (Hearts and United) may scoop a lot of cash instead could mean they have more to spend on players which we simply don't have. This may not be a problem initially, but it would mean qualification for Europe in season 2010/11 may become a necessity if it isn't to become an issue.
Continuing apathy, bad feeling and poor relations between the club and it's fanbase.
Negative press/media coverage which in turn could effect numbers through gates as well as potential sponsorship/advertising revenues.
No Europe and the board decide to stick with the management team. Again, apathy etc would only continue.
There is a possibility we finish 6th. That would be a bit of a morale buster too.
I'm sure there are far more and please feel free to add to them/debate the ones I've mentioned and I'm aware that some of the above will be intertwined with each other. Sunday is of huge consequence to us, outwith our hands to an extent but if we keep our end of the bargain then we're in with a chance.
There may be rather bigger issues to be settled in the SPL at the weekend, but what happens with us on Sunday could have huge knock-on effects for next season and beyond. Below, I'm really just playing devil's advocate and would like to know how you folks see how the possible consequences panning out.
Scenario 1
We win, United lose and we get a place in the qualifiers for the Europa League (that is what it's called, yeah?).
Pros:
This could be huge for the club with the new format of the tournament coming in, the potential for a lot more money should we get into the group stages.
It may also mean the possibility of Severin and Mair staying and potentially improved contract offers for the likes of Kerr, McDonald and Aluko later in the year.
The possibility of a couple of new signings coming in.
The feel good factor it brings to the club as a whole, it generates excitement amongst the fans outwith the banality of the domestic campaign.
It could really spur our young team on to better things in the domestic game, and could give them invaluable experience which will only serve them well in the future.
The early start to the season could see us finally get off to a flying start in the league, which would be a most welcomed change.
At this point, I do want to say that I am loathe to using the term "Cons" as there shouldn't really be a downside to qualifying for Europe, but well, ye know...
Cons:
We fall at the first hurdle and ultimately fail to get into the group stages. The bad feeling amongst the support towards the management team could hit an all time low, at a time when many folk may not have renewed their season tickets. The financial implications and increased apathy could be a disaster for the club.
Do we speculate to accumulate? Money spent on players - whether these are new players or current players on new deals - may be gambled before our Europa future is decided. Do we sign players to get us through to the group stages or wait to see how we get on first? It's a potential Catch 22 situation.
The shortcomings of the management team and the strain on a small and young squad of an early start to the season could mean a rather dull and frustrating domestic league which in turn could lead to more disharmony amongst the support and all the problems that brings with it.
Scenario 2
We do not qualify for Europe.
Pros:
In my mind, there really aren't that many pros to this as this is one of the main goals we have at the start of the season. However, to a large number of our support, it may see the change in management they crave. Perhaps a change in management will boost the club.
It may mean more through the gates if the management does change.
Cons:
The obvious one is the financial side of things. Not just us losing out on the possibility of a large cash injection, but the fact that two of our biggest rivals (Hearts and United) may scoop a lot of cash instead could mean they have more to spend on players which we simply don't have. This may not be a problem initially, but it would mean qualification for Europe in season 2010/11 may become a necessity if it isn't to become an issue.
Continuing apathy, bad feeling and poor relations between the club and it's fanbase.
Negative press/media coverage which in turn could effect numbers through gates as well as potential sponsorship/advertising revenues.
No Europe and the board decide to stick with the management team. Again, apathy etc would only continue.
There is a possibility we finish 6th. That would be a bit of a morale buster too.
I'm sure there are far more and please feel free to add to them/debate the ones I've mentioned and I'm aware that some of the above will be intertwined with each other. Sunday is of huge consequence to us, outwith our hands to an extent but if we keep our end of the bargain then we're in with a chance.
Come on ye Reds!