Soccer365’s Football journalist Jerrad Peters takes your questions on transfer rumors the Scottish Premier League and asks readers to send in their Top 10 Stories of 2008.

There are so many transfer rumors right now. Give me one that might actually pan out.
-Dylan, Kansas City

The funny thing about the January transfer period is that most deals are ironed out in early December. Like anyone else, football managers have better things to do at Christmastime than scout talent for a quick swoop in the New Year. So if your favorite team hasn’t already agreed terms with their transfer targets, chances are they’ll come up empty handed next month.

Point in case. As I write this, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is in the process of switching from Ajax to Real Madrid. I had intended to use the 25-year-old Dutchman as an example of a player who would almost certainly leave his current club in January. But when I opened my web browser moments later, the deal had already been completed.

The 6-foot-1 Holland international has been on the radars of many of Europe’s biggest clubs for three years. Manchester United were always thought to be frontrunners in the race for his signature. They pulled out of the running, however, when Sir Alex Ferguson signed Dimitar Berbatov in August and completed his winter business with the addition of Serb winger Zoran Tosic on Monday.

Another thing to consider when evaluating winter transfer rumors is contract length. Huntelaar, with 18 months remaining on his pact with Ajax, was always going to be sold either in January or July. The Eredivisie club was fully aware that he would not re-sign before 2010 and would have had to act sooner or later. Had they waited until next winter, Huntelaar would have been able to begin negotiating with clubs of his choice.

For their part, Ajax took advantage of Real Madrid’s desperation. With principle striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy sidelined until next season, the Meringues were forced to use the January market to replace him. Their shortlist is thought to have included Huntelaar, Emanuel Adebayor, Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez.

As it happened, Ajax offered the best value for money. United were unwilling to sell Tevez for less than £30 million, Adebayor is woefully overrated and Drogba is past his prime. Madrid secured Huntelaar—25 and one of the most lethal, consistent goalscorers in Europe—for £17 million.

What is wrong with Scottish football? Both Rangers and Celtic are out of Europe and the league seems to be getting worse. Is this a momentary downturn, or is the Scottish Premier League just not good enough?
-Brad, Emerson

Before I answer your question, think back about 14 months. Scotland had just won home and away against France, Celtic were on their way through to the Champions’ League Round of 16 after beating AC Milan and Rangers had done the double over German champions Stuttgart en route to an appearance in the UEFA Cup final. At the time it seemed as though Scottish football was undergoing a resurgence.

To be honest, I’d say last year was an aberration. What we are currently seeing is the actuality of the sport on the other side of Hadrian’s Wall. But for a juicy Old Firm derby every now and again, there’s really no reason for non-Scottish football fans to pay attention to the Scottish Premier League.

Already, perennial league leaders Celtic and Rangers have distanced themselves from the pack by seven points. Unless you support one of them, the domestic season in the SPL is nine months of meaningless football.

In Europe, neither is positioned for contention in the foreseeable future. The gulf between the SPL and many of Europe’s other, major leagues was painfully evident this season. Celtic were completely outclassed by Manchester United in Group E of the Champions’ League. They also lost at Villarreal and were humbled at Danish side Aalborg. Rangers, meanwhile, didn’t even make the group phase after being thoroughly embarrassed by Lithuanian outfit Kaunas in the second qualifying round.

Having said all that, it’s important to provide some perspective. Sure, the SPL is embraced by a higher percentage of its domestic population than any other league in Europe. But Scotland is a country of just five million people. That’s less than Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece and Czech Republic. In that context, Scottish clubs consistently punch above their weight.

Maybe it’s time to stop harping on the ills of Scottish football and accept it for what it is. When measured against comparable nations—rather than the giant next door—the Scottish Premier League is doing just fine.

The top 10 football stories of 2008
An open letter to readers

I'm seeking your help in compiling a list of the top 10 football stories of the past 12 months. Already included in the process are well-known football writers, editors and media personalities from throughout North America, South America and Europe.
 
Each of your votes will be worth the same amount as the participating celebrity voters. The final rankings will appear on or before December 27.
 
Here are your choices. Feel free to email either your single pick for Story of the Year or a ranking of your top 10.
 
a. Spain wins EURO 2008
b. Egypt wins African Cup of Nations
c. Manchester United win Premier League and Champions' League double
d. LDU Quito win Copa America
e. Montreal Impact contend in CONCACAF Champions' League
f. Manchester City: become world's richest club and buy Robinho
g. David Beckham joins AC Milan
h. Newcastle: hire Kevin Keegan, fire Kevin Keegan, and various other shenanigans
i. Ronaldinho joins AC Milan
j. Cristiano Ronaldo: scores 42-goals and almost joins Real Madrid
k. Maradona appointed Argentina coach
l. Columbus wins MLS Cup
 
If I have missed an item worthy of a vote, include it as a write-in. And for the record, Ronaldo picking up a pair of transvestites is off limits.
 
Cheers,
 
Jerrad Peters
jerradpeters@gmail.com

Have a question about football? Email your query to jerradpeters@gmail.com.