Originally posted by robbieando
Very True, however to get a 3rd Spot would mean the other sides in Scotland who make Europe have to improve the performance. Celtic's run last season and Rangers the year before, plus all our years in the 90's in the CL have help get us the direct spot, its up to the others to match us once in a while
As a supporter of Bundesliga Fussball such a decision annoys me. Basically I'm sure they done it because financially having either the Ghers or Bhoys in Europe will mean far better revenue-raising, especially when UEFA start to look at the TV rights in Great Britain, a market that due to most teams being rather crap is largely untapped sponsorwise. UEFA would rather have the OLd Firm in rather than more teams from eastern countries (with limited revenue opportunities) such as the Czech Republic, Croatia & Yugoslavia.
I mean Germany only gets 2 direct qualifiers (the year VfB Stuttgart & FC Bayern). Yet after Dortmund's exit in the CL qualifying rounds, I guess nobody can whinge too much. They should be good enough to be there in their own right. As are Schalke Leverkusen and possibly even Hertha BSC Berlin. Yet none of these sides ARE good enough.
Still I can't complain. Having Celtic bring 15000 fans was alot better than empty seats during the first round match in Munich. I'm sure they loved Roy Makaay's 2 goals as well.
JF