30 Facts About The Scottish Championship

The Scottish Championship: An Overview

The Scottish Championship is the second tier of professional football in Scotland. It sits below the Scottish Premiership and above Scottish League One. This league is known for its competitive nature and passionate fanbase. Here are some fascinating facts about the Scottish Championship.

1. The Scottish Championship was established in 2013, replacing the Scottish First Division.
2. It features 10 teams competing each season.
3. The season runs from August to May, with each team playing 36 matches.
4. The team finishing first is automatically promoted to the Scottish Premiership.
5. The bottom team is relegated to Scottish League One.
6. Teams finishing 2nd to 4th enter a playoff for a chance at promotion.
7. The league has a rich history of producing talented players who move on to higher leagues.
8. The Championship is known for its unpredictable nature, with no clear favorites each season.

Historic Clubs and Memorable Moments

The Scottish Championship has seen many historic clubs and unforgettable moments over the years. Here are some highlights.

9. Heart of Midlothian, also known as Hearts, won the Championship in the 2014-2015 season with a record 91 points.
10. Rangers, one of Scotland's most famous clubs, played in the Championship during the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons.
11. Hibernian, another historic club, won the Championship in the 2016-2017 season.
12. Dundee United won the Championship in the 2019-2020 season, securing promotion to the Premiership.
13. The highest-scoring match in Championship history was a 7-1 victory by Queen of the South over Ayr United in 2013.
14. Falkirk holds the record for the most consecutive seasons in the Championship, with 10 seasons from 2005 to 2015.
15. The Championship has seen several clubs rise from lower leagues to achieve success at higher levels.

Players and Managers

The Scottish Championship has been a breeding ground for talented players and managers. Here are some notable individuals.

16. John McGinn, now a star at Aston Villa, began his career at St. Mirren in the Championship.
17. Andy Robertson, Liverpool's left-back, played for Queen's Park and Dundee United in the Championship.
18. Neil Lennon, former Celtic manager, started his managerial career at Hibernian in the Championship.
19. Robbie Neilson led Hearts to the Championship title in the 2014-2015 season.
20. Ian McCall, a well-known Scottish manager, has managed several Championship clubs, including Ayr United and Partick Thistle.
21. The Championship has seen many young talents develop and move on to bigger clubs and leagues.

Fan Culture and Rivalries

The Scottish Championship is known for its passionate fans and intense rivalries. Here are some interesting facts about the fan culture.

22. The Edinburgh Derby between Hearts and Hibernian is one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in the Championship.
23. The Dundee Derby between Dundee and Dundee United is another intense rivalry.
24. Greenock Morton and St. Mirren share a heated rivalry known as the Renfrewshire Derby.
25. Fans of Championship clubs are known for their loyalty and dedication, often traveling long distances to support their teams.
26. The Championship has a strong community feel, with clubs often engaging in local initiatives and charity work.
27. Many Championship clubs have fan-owned shares, giving supporters a say in the running of their clubs.
28. The atmosphere at Championship matches is often electric, with fans creating a vibrant and noisy environment.

Financial Aspects and Sponsorship

The financial aspects of the Scottish Championship play a crucial role in the league's operations. Here are some key points.

29. The Championship has a central sponsorship deal with Ladbrokes, a well-known betting company.
30. Clubs in the Championship receive a share of the revenue from television rights, although it is significantly less than the Premiership.

Final Whistle

The Scottish Championship packs a punch with its rich history, passionate fans, and thrilling matches. From Dundee United's record-breaking seasons to the intense rivalries that keep everyone on their toes, there's never a dull moment. Clubs like Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Queen of the South have carved out their own legacies, proving that this league is more than just a stepping stone to the Scottish Premiership.

Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual observer, the Championship offers something for everyone. The blend of seasoned pros and rising stars ensures a dynamic and unpredictable competition. So next time you catch a match, remember the stories, records, and passion that make this league special. The Scottish Championship isn't just about football; it's about community, history, and the love of the game.