How come so many good dutch players choose to play in Scotland rather than in Holland? The climate is worse in Scotland Eredivisie has got a much higher avarage attendance. Dutch teams do better in Europe than scottish teams Eredivisie is more exiting, three teams usualy fighting for the title In Scottland only two 3 times more people living in Holland than in Scottland, so the comersial money should be higher. Anyway through the years many good dutch players choose to play in Scotland rather than in Hollland WHY?????
The players that chose to play for Rangers or Celtic came mainly from lower teams in the Dutch league. So for them the move was an improvement.
At least it is when it comes to cash. And Frank de Boer for example didn't want to play for Ajax last year because they only wanted to offer him a one year contract.
I think that Rangers and Celtic have a lot more money than the Dutch teams (including the top 3). So it's all about the money. And Numan, I think it was because of Advocaat and the money he went.
Well, as they say "the grass is always greener on the other side" for players who want a change of scenery but can't get a contract in a "big" league (Spain, England Germany, etc.) the SPL is a great option. It's a small version of the EPL when it comes to support/atmosphere, I guess the salaries are roughly the same, Rangers and Celtic probably pay more than Ajax PSV or Feyenoord, but the other clubs pay less than say: Heerenveen, AZ and the likes... Mark de Vries played in the quite desolate dutch first Division and there was no real interest from a Eredivisie club, so playing for Hearts was an opportunity he couldn't let go. Same with Ricksen, he had the opportunity to go to Rangers instead of waiting for our top 3 to make the call...
We shouldn't forget that Dick Advocaat was coach of Rangers for a long time, and probably had huge influence over what players were bought.
from fifa.com: Money was always the issue why players preferred the SPL over the Dutch League, I wonder how long they can keep this up.