Recently, it has been claimed that the domination of Federer and Nadal in world tennis is ruining the sport. We, of course, have a similar problem in Scotland where the third team in the Premier League finishes 20-30 points adrift behind the Old Firm year after year.

I have recently studied the domestic leagues of almost every country in the world and nowhere is there such a two-horse race.

This yearly scenario is positively obscene and makes our SPL a laughing stock worldwide. So, what can be done?

Straight away the Old Firm should be banned from raiding provincial clubs on an annual basis the moment a player has merely a decent game against them.

For example, where would Hibs have finished if they had retained Riordan, Whittaker, Brown and Killen?

How would Motherwell have fared if MacDonald had still been there to score vital goals and would Dundee United's challenge been more effective if Robson was still at Tannadice?

Methinks Messrs Riordan and Gow rue the day they headed west.

Kenneth P Colville
Rothesay

McFadden also missed Birmingham's vital run-in
Graeme Macpherson overlooks some of the facts surrounding the unavailability of James McFadden in his report on withdrawals from the Scotland squad.

McFadden withdrew from Scotland's friendly against Croatia earlier this year because of an operation that caused him to miss several fixtures for his club, Birmingham City. I am unaware of his current level of fitness but know that he was unable to take part in Birmingham's vital match on the last day of the season.

Gordon Evans, via email

Well, Well, a happy fan
As a supporter, I'm delighted Mark McGhee has decided to stay at Motherwell.

David Glen, via email