$etanta and $PL extend contract

Clubs will benefit to the tune of £125 million from 2010/11 until 2013/14.

Fans will continue to be marginalised and will have to alter their arrangements to fit in with the broadcaster's choice of sixty live games per season.

Prepare for more Monday night, Sunday and Saturday lunchtime kick-offs and plenty of exposure for games involving the gruesome twosome outside of Glasgow.

The first batch of games to be covered by the Irish company is already announced. The eagle eyed will spot a trend which characterises the viewing habits they serve. Four of the five games feature the Old Firm.

The deal will deliver some stability to Motherwell and the other SPL clubs and help in forward planning. The distribution of the cash will be heavily dependent on the finishing position in the league.

Let's hope that Scottish football does not repeat the mistakes made in the heyday of the deal with $ky. Millions of pounds were lost to the game and diverted into the pockets of, at best, mediocre foreign players as clubs (including ours) raced for short term gain at the cost of developing local talent. Prices for spectators rocketed and when the financial plug was pulled disaster followed.

Mark makes a point

Maybe, just maybe, those in positions of power in our game might try a new tack. They might be persuaded to use the money to reduce gate prices, particularly when games are selected for live transmission, and reduce the cost barrier which limits regular attendance at SPL matches. And maybe cows might fly!