It has been a while since we updated our gridiron rant – better know as Hot Iron's Offensive Patter our own column that is all Scottish Gridiron.

But first of all, can I wish you all a great Christmas and the best for 2009 and a big thank you to all the clubs, players and fans for their support during the last twelve months.

There will not be much to report in terms of action to report during the next week, so if you want to have an idea what our mid winter break is like, then check out our alternative advent calendar below.

December 22	December 23	December 24	December 25
December 26	December 27	December 28	December 29
December 30	December 31	January 1	January 2
January 3	January 4	January 5	January 6
January 7

It is fair to say that it has been a bit of a roller coaster ride for Scottish Gridiron this year, with a fair mix of disappointment and successes, but enough to give us hope for the future.

The British League Big Wigs, insist that the game is benefiting from the NFL working holidays that have been happening during the last two years, have been saying how the national game continues to grow from strength to strength.

Except for viewers in Scotland !!!!!!!

Don't get me wrong that there is still plenty for us to shout about in terms of playing talent, but the fact remains that there is a distinct lack of cash in the Scottish game.

With the exception of Edinburgh Wolves, we still have not been able to progress past the public park image that has dogged the game for many a year.

When the Claymores were at their peak, companies did not hesitate in investing in the sport. Unfortunately that investment did not continue to grass roots as clubs continued to battle for what funds they could get.

Now we hear of companies trying to promote the fact that they thrive in wanting to promote grass roots sports. Here is an ideal investment opportunity.

2009 has been designated as Scotland 's Home Coming Celebrations, where we want to promote all aspects of our culture. You have to look at the Scottish Cup getting on the act.

Why not gridiron!!!!! It is a promotion opportunity too good to miss.

I could go on and suggest some ideas for special games; but I still have the scars from getting my fingers burned the last time I tried that.

So if we can put politics aside and the grass roots could hook up with an organisation like Sports Scotland for a full scale gridiron festival that could take the sport up to a new level.

Over to you good people!

HAVE A COOL YULE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS: I ALWAYS ENCOURAGE EALTHY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING ANY TOPIC ON OUR SITE. AS LONG IT IS NOTHING I CAN BE SUED FOR.

IF YOU HAVE ANY VIEWS ON ANYTHING THAT i HAVE SAID OR OF ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE GAME HERE, THEN DROP ME A LINE OR EXPRESS YOUR OPINIONS ON OUR HOT IRON FORUM - LINK ON THE MAIN PAGE.