Football had become a global brand and Scotland was keen for its share of the action, and the cash. But the new money came at a price, top players demanded higher wages, kick-off times were changed and TV now called the shots.
Clubs desperate to compete in this new world were vulnerable to hare-brained schemes, mavericks with deep pockets and ego-driven illusions.
Almost overnight the dual drivers of money and media transformed the game - but left Scottish football struggling to forge an identity that would carry it into the future.
