I don’t think I’m alone in thinking that derby matches both north and south of the border have lost their passion in recent years. Celtic and Rangers is always going to be a bitterly fought encounter but it must be said that even the Glasgow derby has lost some of its passion, on the pitch anyway.

Off the pitch it would be ridiculous to say that the Old Firm has lost any of its bitterness, however when you look at rivalries south of the border can you honestly say there is any real animosity?

Now admitting I’m a Celtic fan I’m sure will result in you all coming to the conclusion that my ramblings are biased and unfair but surely you guys can understand where I’m coming from? Baring in mind my arguments are based on British football it must be said that derbies in Turkey and Italy still have a massive amount of passion and competitiveness.

Anyway, back to our shores, Mick McCarthy reckons derby clashes in the modern era are only for softies! The Wolves boss shed blood in Manchester derbies and Old Firm dust-ups and is sad that genuine blood-and-thunder battles have become so rare. I agree with the boring bloke.

Recently a Football Pools poll identified that the Black Country derby was the fiercest in the modern game. Not long ago at all these two sides met for their first-ever Premier League match up and I’m sure I won’t have too many critics in saying that this game wasn’t exactly the most angrily fought out match. In fact it was boring.

The match didn’t at all feature any of the old fashioned scraps. Back in the good old days of derby matches you would have someone boot another and it would set the president for the rest of the game. These days, derbies might be played at a frenetic pace, but I don’t see those blood-and-guts derbies any more, not anywhere. Not even in Scotland, Turkey or Italy.

So what do you lot think? Are my ramblings complete nonsense or do I have a point?

If you like what I’ve written why not follow me on Twitter

Buy Last 16 Champions League tickets here!