SPL
The Scottish Premier League sponsored by Clydesdale Bank is a Professional League for the clubs at the top level of the Scottish game. The SPL according to UEFA is the Tenth ranked league in Europe, based on performances from clubs in European competition. Since its establishment in Season 1998-1999 only two teams have won the Championship title – Celtic and Rangers. Recent statistics have shown that Celtic are the most successful club in the History of the SPL. Although if we take into consideration the old First Division and SPL (run by the SFA) Rangers are the top side in Scottish Football.
Season 2009 – 2010
| Pld | GD | Pts | |
| Rangers | 8 | 9 | 18 |
| Celtic | 8 | 8 | 17 |
| Hibernian | 8 | 6 | 16 |
| Dundee United | 8 | 3 | 13 |
| Motherwell | 8 | 2 | 13 |
| Aberdeen | 8 | 2 | 11 |
| St. Mirren | 8 | 0 | 11 |
| Hearts | 8 | -3 | 8 |
| Kilmarnock | 8 | -2 | 6 |
| St. Johnstone | 8 | -6 | 6 |
| Hamilton | 8 | -10 | 5 |
| Falkirk | 8 | -9 | 3 |
Predictions 2009 – 2010
Champions: Celtic
Runners-up: Rangers
3rd Place: Hearts
Relegation: Motherwell
History
In 1998, the football clubs in the Premier Division decided to split from the Scottish Football League and form the Scottish Premier League, following an earlier example in England. This decision was fuelled by a desire by the top clubs in Scotland to retain more of the revenue generated by the game. Originally, league sponsorship money was divided between clubs in all four divisions; after the SPL was formed this was no longer the case. At the beginning the SPL contained 10 clubs, but it later grew to 12 for the 2000-01 season onwards. The increase from 10 clubs to 12 was part of the deal offered to obtain approval from SFL member clubs. Providing they meet certain criteria regarding their stadium, the top club from the Scottish First Division is promoted to the SPL, with the 12th-placed SPL club relegated.
Last Season
| Pld | Pts | |
| Rangers | 38 | 86 |
| Celtic | 38 | 82 |
| Hearts | 38 | 59 |
| Aberdeen | 38 | 53 |
| Dundee United | 38 | 53 |
| Hibernian | 38 | 47 |
| Motherwell | 38 | 48 |
| Kilmarnock | 38 | 44 |
| Hamilton | 38 | 41 |
| Falkirk | 38 | 38 |
| St. Mirren | 38 | 37 |
| Inverness CT | 38 | 37 |
Champions: Rangers
Runners-up: Celtic
Relegated: Inverness CT
European Qualifiers:
Champions League – Rangers, Celtic; Europa League – Hearts, Aberdeen, Motherwell & Falkirk.
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