There are games and tactics on the pitch, and manoueveres and plans being made off it.
In a way, it’s a period of all talk and no action – but that’s because the clubs are currently limited in what they can do – even the vast majority of players with expiring contracts can’t begin negotiating with other clubs until some time in the New Year.
Therefore it is prime time for rumour, gossip and speculation as the clock winds down to the big day – the opening of the transfer window on Saturday, January 1.
How we get there though, is anyone's guess at the moment as the concerning rise in the Omicron variant of Covid has wiped out several games in England, and clubs north of the border have held crisis talks in how to maintain safety of the game in Scotland until the winter break, which begins three days after the trading period opens.
There are many stroylines and strands to Scottish football at the moment, and here’s a look at what is making the headlines this morning, on Friday, December 17.

9. Protocol prep
Premiership clubs in the SPFL met virtually to discuss the current situation around Covid and the Omicron variant and the Joint Response Group will now begin a consultation to strengthen protocols ahead of the winter break. Livingston manager David Martindale had called for a quick-fire 'circuit-breaker' response. (The Scotsman) Photo: John Devlin

10. Dane well
Bologna's Danish forward Andreas Skov Olsen, linked with Rangers, is now attracting interest from the Bundesliga with Hertha Berlin joining his list of admirers. Real Sociedad and Beskitas are also said to be interested in the international midfielder (Bild) Photo: LISELOTTE SABROE

11. Boot buddy
Celtic's Giorgos Giakoumakis has given fans hope of an injury return soon after appearing at the club's training ground flashing new boots on his social media channels. The striker has been out injured since early November. (Instagram) Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group


