Is outsider Ian Wright right about the cause of Scottish football’s ill health?

Wright suggested that the attendance figures, and the talent and storylines that Scottish football offers, should attract more lucrative TV deals when compared to Norway.

The Premiership attracted huge interest last term as a summer title battle between eventual champions Celtic and Hearts went down to a last-day decider.

“Norway managed to get a broadcasting deal which was £25m a year more than Scotland,” Wright said on ITV.

SPFL A £150m broadcasting deal has been committed In 2022, which starts in 2024 and runs till 2029. Premiership clubs earn around £30m per season from current contracts.

The aim is to be a Scottish top-flight club Earnings of £50 million a year By 2029.

This is already happening in Norway, according to Norwegian media, who say the current domestic rights package in the country is worth more than £50 million per season. From 2029 that is said to rise to over £60 million.

So how will it affect the national team? More revenue for clubs will pay more to improve infrastructure, facilities and academies across the country.

And at a time when Scottish sides are constantly losing youth talent to clubs with greater resources – regularly from south of the border – more cash should, in theory, mean a bigger playing budget to encourage talent to stay.

First-team football still has a way to go, though, with some Scottish clubs encouraged to make massive improvements to follow suit a report The Scottish FA has detailed how clubs in Scotland are failing to bring in enough young players.

Despite a recent return to major tournaments, Wright sympathizes with Scotland and their fans after a generation’s missed opportunity.

And judging by the social media reaction to his impassioned comments before Scotland even started their final group game against Brazil, he doesn’t seem to be the only one.