The start of the British football season brings excitement and anticipation of what might be achieved over the 38-game marathon between August and May. While the likes of Wimbledon and The Open have provided some welcome refreshment, it is always good when things get back to normal.
However, for those of us who support any of the previous season’s five best-placed Scottish teams, the first few weeks thrust us right into the nervous pressure cooker of the European qualifiers as our teams battle to secure places in the continent’s most high-profile and lucrative competitions.
There is no time to settle into the new campaign as our clubs enter two-legged knockout ties which are arguably the most important matches of our seasons right as the domestic season kicks off, often determining the vast bulk of the prize money on offer to our teams of a level just not on offer domestically.
Professional footballers need the church, too
Every World Cup produces moments that capture global attention; a dramatic goal, a surprise result or an unforgettable individual performance …