Celtic’s 9IAR might be decided in the coming week

Discussions, decisions, announcements and maybe even some evidence could all help shape what will happen to Celtic’s 9IAR.

For 9-in-a-row the season has to end, positions declared and the SPFL deciding what to do about declaring champions. Reports from last week’s discussions between SPFL and clubs indicate an increasing expectation and acceptance that a halt needs to be called to the season and that Celtic will be declared champions.

This week sees discussions between Scotland’s Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, Joe Fitzpatrick, and leading Scottish sports authorities, including the SPFL. The immediate future for live sporting events will be keenly discussed. Although again, expectations are being managed, it’s not expected that we’ll see dates and schedules when these can return. What is expected is described as a long and difficult journey. But no firm dates, no firm plans, no firm indications will surely lead to a realisation and subsequent decision that season 2019/2020 needs to be over.

Talking about no firm facts, Rangers have promised to share their dossier of evidence of SPFL bullying, coercion and underhand dealings in the next few days. It’s not expected to land with a huge thump on desks, but after so much bluster, they’ll have to write something and share it. It has all the anticipation of a new book from a barely known author on a story we’re past caring about, but let’s see anyway.

In a tale of two kit deals, this week we can expect to see more details of Rangers announcement re new retail deals and kit manufacturers. Newspapers reported (for about the 3rd time in recent years) that the deal with Sports Direct is now finally over.

It’s hard to believe that Mike Ashley will not be pursuing a legal contract upheld in court and where costs have been awarded to Sports Direct. It’s only the size of the cheque left to be decided by the court, circa £6-£10m is widely quoted as likely.

Phil Mac Giolla Bhain often blogs on Scottish Football matters and in a reference to his Sports Direct contact’s views from their Shirebrook HQ he noted:

"“When I put this to my Shirebrook guy this afternoon, he just laughed like a drain.”"

A new kit deal ought to be good news for Rangers, but as ever it may not be all that it seems and any income while helpful, may still be quite modest. Celtic on the other hand continue to work with Adidas in their historic, highest ever such deal in Scottish Football, which commences in July.

The flow of activity above will surely help draw 2019/2020 to a close bringing 9 in a row that much closer. Having quality income sources and not having an in-tray full of legal judgements and unnecessary bills will help determine budgets, players and squads as clubs try to plan for next season. Although all clubs will find this an enormously difficult period, Celtic’s strength will give them even more confidence for 10IAR.