The subject of Hampden Park is undoubtedly an emotional one that splits most supporters in the country.
Many of Celtic’s greatest moments have been at the stadium but well into the 21st century fans are getting fussier about where they want to watch the game.
The redevelopment of Hampden in the nineties was done on the cheap, three quarters of the stadium was quickly seated and covered while huge funds were poured into the South Stand to tick every box employed by FIFA and UEFA.
Even at that a large area of the South Stand is open to the elements with only the Debenture seats assuring fans of an uninterrupted dry view of the pitch.
Elsewhere it is a lottery, half of the seats offer a poor view, if you are in the front rows behind the goals you’ll have a great view of the police and stewards, what is happening at the other end of the park is a mystery.
Abandoning Hampden would leave the SFA in a spot of difficulty, with rumours about the crumbling state of Ibrox they could be left with just Celtic Park and Murrayfield capable of hosting a crowd above 30,000.
To see Celtic in a cup final would require a trip to Murrayfield, great stadium but transport in and out of the area is as bad as at Hampden.
In his letter to the Herald McCann explained: “In charge of Celtic, and having to rent the stadium for the 94/95 season, I had to tolerate the mean-spirited behaviour of Queens Park officials throughout that period.
“This began with a clause in the lease – a “deal breaker” as their attorney made clear – that forbade “the display of any foreign flag.”
“Shades of SFA 1952.
“Celtic supporters did not enjoy the experience either, although their season ticket price was reduced from £180 (for standing at Celtic Park) to £170 for a seat on the Hampden terracing, a long way from the field.
“Celtic Park soon became the largest and finest stadium in the UK, adding greatly to the prestige of the club and the enjoyment of fans from everywhere.
“But the financing of its rebuilding was affected by the efforts of Queens Park and its SFA cousins.
“Celtic’s application for a £5m Football Trust grant was turned down, while the Hampden renovation project received a total of £10m.
“Sunderland FC received £5m for their stadium – a project 30% smaller than that at Celtic Park.
“Queens Park FC’s balance sheet shows the stadium as an asset costing circa £73m – mainly the new south stand and roof erected in the 90s.”
