Former Celtic player Andy Walker wants the first derby of the season against Rangers to be the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership curtain-raiser, speaking to Sky Sports this week.
Manager Neil Lennon and midfielder Callum McGregor have both gone on the record over the past few days to share their backing of a delay to the first derby of the season so fans have the best chance to cheer their teams on.
The fixture is usually played in late August or early September so that could mean pushing back the first meeting of the season between the two sides significantly.
From both a financial and broadcasting perspective, having fans in the ground and selling hospitality packages would all add to the fixture and maximise its potential.
However, Walker thinks the opposite strategy should be taken, bringing the match forward so it headlines the unveiling of the new season.
As quoted by Sky Sports, he said: “If the SPFL are open to requests such as Lennon’s or McGregor’s, then mine would be to start the campaign with one – let’s get the Scottish top-flight season off to a thunderous start with Celtic vs Rangers on the opening day of the season!
“I’m all for Scottish football and the quality, drama, intrigue and stories that it constantly throws up.
“There’s something very captivating and gripping about our game and the month of August gives the Scottish Premiership a platform to stand alone in the fixture schedules. The only certainty we can rely upon is that the season will be full of drama.”
With next season already shaping up to be immensely difficult and unusual, anything that takes away the opportunity for fans to see the biggest games of the season is a no-go in my book.
It makes perfect sense for the league authorities to protect the derby and move it later in the calendar, potentially allowing a grander spectacle to take place.
From a Celtic perspective, it could well be a benefit too with the possibility of Rangers taking advantage of an empty Celtic Park before having the ability to get fans into Ibrox for the next derby.
The atmosphere, as the home team, could certainly work in our favour.
Hopefully common sense prevails.
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