By Graham Barnstaple
June 18 2011

As the SPL fixtures were released for another season Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster, says it is time to focus on the positives.

Mr Doncaster says it is time for the people involved in the Scottish game to focus on the positives, he has said today, "…people outside Scotland see an exciting, credible SPL. I sometimes think the people inside Scotland can't see the wood for the trees."

While I do often think we do run our game down far too much but I think Mr Doncaster can’t be listening to the people from outside Scotland I talk to. Anyone I talk to about football from England still believes our League is a pub League, and don’t bother watching it on the TV.

They cite things like the inability of players to control and pass the ball, less than half full grounds and grounds that have big empty spaces where stands should be. The TV games are not attractive as they mainly show Rangers and Celtic and the result is generally inevitable one the first goal has been scored.

The also don’t see the SPL as credible as only two teams can win it every season, although they do miss the point that the EPL has a similar problem these days…

Over the years I have tried my best to defend our game but last season made it difficult, not only was there the off field stuff with Lennon etc (hopefully we will see the new anti sectarianism bill will fix this) but the standard on the field was also poor.

For the first time in a long time I did not look forward to going to games, nor did I want to watch the SPL on TV.

Talking the game up is not enough, Mr Doncaster has to provide the teams with a  League that is truly competitive at all levels. Provide them with cash in a fair and reasonable way that allows them to bring in better players to raise the standard.

Hopefully one of his other statements come true, "As we approach a new season it's important we look forward with excitement. We all have a responsibility to ensure entertainment replaces aggravation inside our grounds."

It would also appear if the title goes to the end of the season that makes for excitement and helicopter Sundays are what it is all about, never mind by that time almost every position the table has been decided!!