JIM GOODWIN has said that the inevitable decision to crown Celtic champions and relegate Hearts is ‘common sense’. The St Mirren manager thinks that the decision would be merited based upon the results throughout the season.
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Goodwin believes that Celtic will be deserved champions for being the best team in the country. Celtic beat St Mirren 5-0 in Goodwin’s sides final game before the Coronavirus pandemic forced a shut down of the national game.
“If you were to go on current form and the way the two teams at the top were playing, I don’t think anyone could deny Celtic were in a far better place than Rangers.
“They have dropped 11 points more than Celtic since the turn of the year.
“Celtic are deservedly out in front. They have been the better team this season.
“Flip it and look at the teams down near the bottom, Hearts have only won four league games all season. We have eight games left, they would probably have had to win four, possibly five.”
“Of course it could have happened. I don’t have a crystal ball.
“But it’s highly unlikely Rangers were going to catch Celtic and Hearts were going to need a helluva turnaround in their form to catch the teams above them.
“People will probably think, ‘Well that’s easy for him to say’ as we are ninth, safe and none of it really involves us. But I just have to take a common sense approach to it.”
Celtic are 13 points clear at the top of the Premiership and it is believed that within days, there will be a decision on the title – which would yield Celtic’s 9th consecutive title. St Mirren, meanwhile, have been vocal of ending the season to allow clubs to solidify their financial position amidst the chaos that COVID-19 has caused.
Based on the form of both Celtic and Rangers, it was inevitable that Neil Lennon’s side would extend their lead of 13 points and seal 9IAR with a flurry. Unfortunately due to these unprecedented circumstances, the Celtic support will be forced to celebrate this title behind closed doors.
The Saints stated at the end of April that they would like the prize money paid out in order to ensure the survival of Scottish football. Should the money be paid out shortly, as expected, it allows clubs to prepare for the 2020/21 season, whenever that may be.
Goodwin’s St Mirren were sat in 9th after an impressive season and whilst they were six points ahead of Hearts, they were just eight behind 6th placed Hibs. Clubs have acted in their own interests during this crisis but St Mirren, to their credit, have kept the greater good of Scottish football close to their own interests.
