Is your football glass half-full or half-empty?

We’re at the half way point in the season. There’s lots to look back on and much to look forward to, but I’m sure everyone’s favourite moment of the year was Scotland qualifying for the World Cup. It's one of those moments when you look back and say "I remember where I was that night"

For me, that night was such a once in a lifetime event, everyone was celebrating with each other, a feelgood moment, something we (sadly) don't get too often. So, let's go to the World Cup and make history by trying to get out of the group.  The way I see it is we get to go to the party and would like to be at the after party, so now we’ve qualified, let’s see where it takes us. It’s a big opportunity to get out of the group at the World Cup for the first time, but who can predict what will happen.  Young Scots are yet to see our boys at a World Cup and, of course, we have the nonsensical ticket prices, but when the time comes I don’t think anything will dampen the enthusiasm. Even though there are going to be some long nights, with games starting at 2 am, we won’t care.  No Scotland no party!

On the domestic front, as we go into Christmas, Hearts are still top of the league and deserve to be there.  A lot of people are hoping they hang on and are saying if Hearts win the Championship it will be a good thing for Scottish football. Personally, I think it might improve the overall strength of the competition, as for too long Scottish football has been seen (correctly, whether we like it or not) as a two-horse race between Celtic and Rangers. That’s not the case this season and let’s hope that continues in the years ahead. More competition is good for our game and is creating a buzz that means we’re even attracting more attention from the UK media.

And if it’s competition you’re looking for, then normally the Championship is where to go, with teams which can beat each other on any given day and games that are always full of drama with plenty of goals and action.  At present, it looks like a two-horse race between St Johnstone and Partick Thistle, but as Arbroath showed last weekend they are also possible contenders.

We need to talk our game up more, because we have a good product. In the stands, our fans are known for their exceptional passion and loyalty, resulting in the highest per capita attendance in Europe.  Moreover, the SFPL, again no matter what you think of them, are generating record revenues and the World Cup will also lead to more money coming into Scottish football. The future is bright!

Michael McEwan, Ops Team, The SFU