Kickoff

In the midst of the Great Glasgow East Frenzy, something equally important is happening in Scottish life: the football season is kicking off today.

So soon? You ask. Well, for Hibs, yes. Today is the first leg of their Intertoto Cup tie against Elfsborg. The prize is a game against either Bohemians or FK Riga, and a win in that tie will give them a place in the Second Qualifying Round of the UEFA Cup.

28 of the 30 SFL Clubs start their season on the 26th of July, in the First Round of the Chalenge Cup. This includes Annan Athletic, who are away to Clyde. Raith Rovers and Morton get byes.

Rangers will start their season on either the 29th or 30th of July, against either Kaunas or Santa Coloma.

The SFL gets underway on the 2nd of August: newcomers Annan are away to Cowdenbeath on that day.

The SPL starts up a week later, with the first match of the season being Rangers' trip to Falkirk - a 12:30 kick-off for the SPL's sugar daddies, otherwise known as Setanta Sports. The other team in Glasgow start at home to St. Mirren 24 hours later, and Hamilton's first foray into SPL territory is on the evening of the 11th, at home to Dundee United.

The 14th sees Motherwell and Queen of the South get their European campaigns underway. And no, I still can't believe I'm typing that.

Finally, Celtic start their Champions' League campaign on either the 16th or 17th of September. And with such illustrious signings as Paddy McCourt, I'm sure they won't have to worry about fixture congestion after Christmas.