A PHRASE which has entered into the Scottish football lexicon in recent times is that “it’s all about the Rangers”.
It is a nonsense, of course, but this remains an amusing musing from those who view Ibrox as their second home. As they see it, without their club in the Premiership then the world as we knew it would end. This did not happen, which came as no surprise to anyone with half a brain.
But while Scottish football’s top tier managed just fine without Rangers, indeed many clubs flourished, could the same be said about the Championship which will have to do without the Ibrox men and their thousands of supporters after two years of them helping to make them that bit richer?
Not only that but the attention the league received over the past two season, which easily equalled that given to the top 12, will surely disappear after Mark Warburton’s success promotion campaign. Or maybe not.
Lee Miller, Falkirk’s veteran striker, believes Neil Lennon’s appointment at Hibernian plus the presence of Dundee United, Dunfermline and his own club will make the second tier as intriguing as ever.
“These are exciting times and it just shows you it’s a big league,” said Miller. “We were unfortunate not to go up last season, it was one game too many, but it’s going to be a good league next season.
“Rangers are out of the league and you thought that’s it done - but it’s not. Neil coming to the Championship to Hibs who are a massive club is great. Dundee United are a massive club, Dunfermline are a massive club, we’re doing really well and hopefully we can go one better than we did last season.
Read more: Rangers open contract talks with captain Lee Wallace
“I was surprised Neil even looked at the job. It is a massive job at Hibs. Alan Stubbs did great there but the fact Neil has got it now means it's exciting times for the league. It’s massive for Scottish football as a whole. There will be loads more publicity and more games will be covered due to the fact he’s taken that on.
“Neil is a personality. If not such a well-known name had taken it there would have been less publicity but the fact he did is something to look forward to.”
Hibernian should be favourites; however, it is a tough league to call. All but the part-time clubs would fancy a crack at the play-off places at the very least.
“Personally I think Hibs [are favourites] because the season they had last year was brilliant, they won the cup and were unlucky against us not to get into the play-off final," said Miller.
“Stubbs got them playing a certain way and they were hard to break down. I enjoyed the games against them, they were really competitive.
“Dundee United will go for it, St Mirren will strengthen and Dunfermline coming up is great for us as it’s a derby. It’s something to look forward to.”
Miller’s Falkirk found the play-off two-legged final against Kilmarnock to be a step too far and they were well beaten at Rugby Park. The system does favour the Premiership side, it will next season as well, and the former Aberdeen and Hearts player would like to see it changed.
“It’s very difficult for the Championship side to go up,” said Miller. “The season before Rangers were flying and Motherwell were struggling but they overturned them big time.
“Then it was one too many game for us and people were playing through injuries. We didn’t get stung by it this year but the bookings when you’ve got more games to play, two of them and you’re missing the final. It’s difficult.
"Personally I think it should be play-offs and then make the final a one-off game, an occasion. Have it at one of the bigger stadiums. The odds are stacked against us but it is what it is and if you’re up there so be it."
Lee Miller has this week been coaching players ahead of the PFA Scotland Showcase Exit Trial which takes place on Saturday (18th June) with a 3.30pm kick off at Broadwood. Those involved are professionals looking for a new club
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