Henry McLeish takes Scottish football review role

Published on Wednesday 25 February 2009 16:25

FORMER First Minister Henry McLeish today agreed to lead the Scottish Football Association's review of how the game is run in Scotland.

McLeish, who was head of the Scottish Government for a year between 2000 and 2001 as well as being a key figure in securing devolution, will act as chairman of the Scottish Football Review Committee, the outcome of which could lead to some radical developments.

The 60-year-old – who was also a professional footballer with East Fife – will meet with SFA president George Peat and chief executive Gordon Smith in the next fortnight to discuss the precise terms of his review.

But topics are set to include the merging the Scottish game's three main governing bodies, league reconstruction, the introduction of a winter break, and even the viability of summer football.

The committee is the brainchild of Peat, who is an advocate of greater co-operation between the SFA, Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League.

Speaking after today's meeting of the SFA's professional football committee, Peat said: "I am delighted that someone with Henry's knowledge and experience has agreed to take forward this review of the Scottish game.

"We will be meeting with Henry shortly to discuss terms of reference for the review. It is our aim to get to work as soon as possible."

McLeish added: "I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to chair this review of the Scottish game.

"Like most Scots, I am passionate about football and understand how important it is to look at ways to improve and secure our national sport."