Renewal of Old Firm rivalry tops 5 reasons for SPFL excitement

With the announcement of the 2016/17 SPFL fixtures imminent, there are myriad reasons for excitement surrounding a brand new season, but the Ladbrokes News team have narrowed it down to five of the best in the interests of space.

There isn’t really anywhere else to start though…

Three Old Firm Games guaranteed

Anyone missed it? Whether or not your allegiances lie with or far away from Glasgow’s big boys, the renewal of Celtic and Rangers’ arch rivalry is sure to add extra flavour to the Ladbrokes Premiership in 2016/17.

After a four-year absence which has seen the Hoops take full advantage by increasing their Scottish titles count by four, the Gers will be aching to try and loosen their grip on the prized trophy.

Joey Barton quotes and tweets

Rangers’ new midfielder made the English Championship’s Team of the Season thanks to his instrumental role in Burnley’s title win and Barton promises to give the Ladbrokes Championship winners a real edge in 2016/17.

The outspoken tweet-aholic and pundit is sure to offer up a few nuggets over the course of the season too.

Beautiful day. Surprisingly quiet on my timeline today from Brighton/Middlesbrough* region? ? #UTC pic.twitter.com/rqv6QJkITd

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) May 3, 2016

A new addition in Edinburgh City

Although a club bearing the same name used to ply their trade in the old Scottish Football League, the capital city’s part-timers will be a hugely welcome addition to Ladbrokes League 2 having won the play-offs.

The Lowland League champions have already strengthened their squad with the addition of former St Johnstone defender Neil Martyniuk and it will be fascinating to see how they fare.

Neil Lennon is back

Hibernian may have lost the manager who finally broke the club’s 114-year-long Scottish Cup curse, but they didn’t get a bad replacement in for Alan Stubbs.

The Hibees are getting an iconic figure in Scottish football not only as a manager but also as a player, boasting a CV flush with Scottish titles and that Champions League triumph over Barcelona.

Hampden Park hosting League 1 football

The home of Scottish Football is full to the rafters for the big occasions and thanks to Queen’s Park’s promotion to Ladbrokes League 1, its regular attendances could be in for a hike.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.