Empty stands are doing the Scottish game no favours, says Rangers boss Steven Gerrard

The intensity of Scottish football and the quality of our players have caught Steven Gerrard’s eye in his first season as Rangers manager.

But he fears those to whom he’s trying to sell the game can’t see past the empty stands.

With his first season north of Hadrian’s Wall coming to an end, Gerrard has amassed many opinions about Scotland’s game.

Plenty are positive. Yet the Ibrox boss reckons the way Premiership fixtures are perceived by those watching on TV is doing us no favours.

Shots of empty stands aren’t just a turn-off for viewers and advertisers. They are a turn-off for players, too.

“There are a few things I’d change, but it’s a debate that’s open to everyone, not just me,” he said.

“I wouldn’t have plastic pitches, but that’s no surprise to anyone.

“I’d also be more cute and clever with the camera angles at certain stadiums.

“Maybe if they’re putting certain games live on BT or Sky, they should change the camera angles so you see a full stand rather than an empty one.

“It comes up in conversation when you are chatting to players.

“It is just my opinion, only a small thing, but I want Scottish football to be as good as it can be.

“I want a Scottish manager going in there to the national team. I want them playing the right way. I want to back all that.

“I am employed at a Scottish club, working with Scottish people. I want your national team to be as good as it can be, which is weird coming from an Englishman, I suppose.

“But I am part of it now, and I have a responsibility to help that.

“I want the game up here to be better, and I want it to look better on the eye. There are little subtle things that you can maybe do.

“I just don’t understand it. You go live on BT or Sky Sports around the world and you have a camera on an empty stand.

“It is ludicrous. I don’t get it.

“I think it is important to show the whole league, not just the Old Firm. We have played some very good games against the lower teams and they have made it very difficult for us.

“I like going to all the old, traditional stadiums. I love it, in fact.

“There is nothing better than to see full stands and supporters enjoying themselves.

“But the empty stands are all over Sky and BT.”

Meanwhile, a Gers man who has been filling stands on loan at Shrewsbury Town this season, Greg Docherty, is set to return to Ibrox in pre-season.

The player himself is determined to use his scintillating season in England as a springboard to Rangers success.

And his manager will give the 22-year-old every chance to prove himself worthy.

“Greg has had a good season,” said Gerrard. “He’ll be back with us pre-season and we’ll see how he does.

“I know he’s desperate for it. It will boil down to how well he does in pre-season and whether I think he can get a place in the 18 and push for game time.

“I think you’ve got to be fair and honest with players.

“I don’t want to be saying: ‘You’re going to play’, then not deliver on what I’m saying.”