Longmuir upbeat as SFL unveils buoyant results

Published on Friday 29 May 2009 22:58

SFL chief executive David Longmuir was able to report a fine year in terms of financial performance by the Hampden Operation to the 30 member clubs at their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, although he could not confirm that the sides that make up the league will be the same come the new season’s kick-off in the Alba Challenge Cup on 25 July.

Longmuir summed the financial performance of the SFL by saying: “We were able to announce some brilliant figures and, by and large, it was a very positive AGM. We have significantly delivered more to the First, Second and Third Division teams than in previous years.

“In percentage terms we are 18 per cent up in what we have been able to give back in a terribly difficult economic climate. There has been some one-off things in there, but our commercial revenue through sponsorship, TV money, bookmakers and other avenues have all been very helpful.”

Despite the backdrop of increased funding from the central body, the future of Clyde and Livingston as SFL member clubs is believed to remain precarious with Longmuir saying: “There was no major discussions on these clubs, but our watching brief over them will remain throughout the summer.

“They are both having to address major revenue issues and both having to address it in different ways, but it is a very challenging time for Livingston and Clyde. One club in particular is causing me great concern.”

SFL president Brown McMaster of Stenhousemuir and vice-president Jim Ballantyne of Airdrie United were both re-elected to their positions.

Meanwhile, the second annual Irn-Bru SFL End of Season Awards saw

St Johnstone pick up an impressive three awards: First Division Manager, Goal of the Season and Team of the Season. Dumbarton, Raith Rovers and Annan Athletic were also recognised by top Scottish sports journalists.