Celtic named BEST run UK club as Hearts also out ahead of Premier League giants

Celtic have been named the BEST run club in the UK - beating out Premier League heavyweights to the gong.

The Hoops beat out stiff competition from heavyweights of English football's top tier including the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United who were, incredibly, the only two EPL clubs on the top 10 list. That's according to Fair Game Index who undertook research to find the top club in the country using comparisons of a number of issues and different criteria.

The study took apart four key elements of running a football club to discover their findings including financial sustainability, good governance, equality and ethical standards and fan and community engagement.

Celtic's score was a full 12 points clear of second on the list, Spurs, while Hearts rank third, one place above the Red Devils.

Also on the list from the Scottish Premiership is Hibs, Aberdeen, St Mirren, Motherwell and Kilmarnock while Cambridge United are the surprise entrants in the number 10 slot.

The report notes "the game is generally better run north of the border" while it also finds that "success in Scottish football is more tied to responsible stewardship than it is in England."

CEO of Fair Game, Niall Couper said: “This is the most comprehensive analysis yet of what it means to be a well-run club. The results are pretty clear: Scottish football is better run than England. With a large number of clubs either being PLCs or fan-owned, the nation has developed a healthy culture of good governance and transparency.

“However, there is no room for complacency. When it comes to equality and ethical standards the results are disappointing to say the least – only Celtic managing to get over half marks.

“What is important, is the Scottish football authorities have the chance to learn from England, not repeat their mistakes, and build a stronger future for the game north of the border. We will be launching Fair Game Scotland in the next few weeks to campaign for a fairer future for football in Scotland.”