The suggestion that a Scottish club other than Celtic or Rangers winning the Premiership title would transform the league’s appeal is one that Chris Sutton finds hard to argue against.
The former Celtic striker has acknowledged that a genuine title victory for a club like Hearts would significantly shift the English view of the Scottish game, finally drawing a new level of curiosity and respect from fans down south.
“From down south, and I get this. There are more football fans looking at it with a bit more curiosity because of the point you have made,” said Sutton.
“Celtic and Rangers have been so dominant. I think it can only be a good thing that Hearts are really, really pushing.”
For decades upon decades, the Glasgow rivals have held an absolute iron grip on the top flight. To find the last time a club outside of Celtic or Rangers lifted the league trophy, you have to go all the way back to the 1984-85 season, when Sir Alex Ferguson famously guided Aberdeen to glory.
Since that historic era, Celtic and Rangers have completely monopolised the silverware, fueling the narrative from English critics that the league is a predictable two-horse race, or, in recent times, just one.
What position would Celtic be in NOW if Brendan Rodgers was still in charge?
Things could've been very different…
Is Scottish football better off if Hearts win the Premiership title?
However, with Hearts mounting a relentless challenge this season, Sutton believes a monumental power shift is exactly what the SPFL’s profile needs.
A historic Hearts title win would do more than just break the relentless dominance of Celtic and their rivals; it would force the English audience to sit up, take notice, and finally appreciate Scottish football.
Of course, Celtic fans don’t want it; that’s because the Hoops, after dominating Scottish football for two decades now, are eager to win title number 56.
Nonetheless, this was Sutton’s take on Scottish football benefiting from Hearts winning the title over Celtic or Rangers, as he told BBC 606.
BBC 606 caller: “If somebody other than Celtic or Rangers wins the Scottish Premiership. Does that league more attractive to not only spectators and neutral fans, but also sponsors and TV companies?
“If the league becomes more competitive. A different team actually wins the league. Plus, Scotland being at the World Cup. Could that be something for the start of Scottish football?”
Sutton: “I understand the point you are making. You are talking from a position down south. If you looked at the attendance at Scottish games. The Scottish Premiership is a really well-supported league. If you talk about per-capita.
“From down south, and I get this. There are more football fans looking at it with a bit more curiosity because of the point you have made. Celtic and Rangers have been so dominant. I think it can only be a good thing that Hearts are really, really pushing.
“Of course, Scotland getting to the World Cup, it is a big deal. They were at the last Euros as well. It’s good for the profile.”
Years since each club’s last top-flight league title in Scotland
Hearts currently hold a three-point lead at the top of the table as the season enters its final stretch.
Celtic, by contrast, continue to struggle; a damaging 2-0 defeat against Dundee United on Sunday has left the defending champions in third place, trailing the leaders by five points.
67 Hail Hail has taken a look at the last time Scottish teams won the main crown, with Hearts looking to end an incredible 66-year wait.
- Celtic: 0 years
- Rangers: 5
- Aberdeen: 41
- Dundee United: 43
- Kilmarnock: 61
- Dundee: 64
- Hearts: 66
- Hibernian: 74
- Motherwell: 94
- Dumbarton: 134
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
