[0762]

I'm sure the English FA give European entry status to the Capital Cup winners, unlike the Scottish League Cup winners, and it has not done their competition any harm - the possible Euro footie participation is indeed a 'carrot' for a lotta non Premier League clubs to take it seriously and try to win it.
Also the poor state of Scottish footie has been a negatively evolving one and I'd argue the decline goes as far back as 15-20 years ago. Study the Scottish European footie stats and you'll see there's been a gradual decline to the point where we celebrate just winning one initial Euro quali match (barring Celtic with their dollops of money!) these days and all our participating clubs now play quali matches - no more direct qualification because of the consistent losses! How do we redress the prob? Previously discussed in depth, that's a searching question with no easy answers!

There is a whole debate in England about the cup competitions and unfortunately due to the fact that 6-8 teams are chasing the top 4 places, and 8-10 teams are potentially fighting relegation from the prem, both the LC and FAC have seen reserve teams put out by Prem teams deep into the competition!!  But as we stand both winners get Europa League places the following season.

IMO looking at the standard in the English Football Leagues 1 and 2 and even in the National League, a lotta these teams will turn over Scottish Premiership and top Scottish Championship teams on their day. Many of us have the privilege of watching regular Capital Cup ties and FA Cup ties on tv and, by gum, some of their top sides have caught up with our standard up here and some have passed it - scary stuff from the point of view of a Scottish fan!! The solution to this prob? As said previously, no easy answers but I'd certainly like to see the Icelandic football model introduced to Scottish footie. The Icelandic FA effectively phased in the provision of all weather pitches/facilities and stadia throughout the country - easy access for young kids who can practise with the likes of a football to their heart's content in all weathers. And Iceland has a much smaller population than Scotland + their national football side is already reaping the benefits from a long-term policy to improve their sporting participation. Scottish football authorities please note!