9am Briefing: Gordon Smith quits as SFA chief

GORDON SMITH has resigned as Scottish Football Association chief executive after almost three years in the job.

It is understood Smith, 55, made the decision mainly for personal reasons and felt the time was right to step down following an eventful period in a role which has always attracted criticism.

The SFA gave little away in a brief statement yesterday but there may be more clarity later today once the formalities of the resignation process are resolved.

His resignation came amid calls from Livingston for an investigation into Smith's conduct over a disciplinary case against striker Robbie Winters, and days before former Scottish First Minister Henry McLeish is expected to publish his wide-ranging review of the Scottish game.

The news also came shortly after Smith announced a review of the SFA player appeals process, which had attracted recent criticism from Rangers and Celtic among others.

The SFA statement read: "The Scottish FA can confirm that Gordon Smith has resigned from his post as chief executive. A further statement will be issued tomorrow."

JJ's relief at derby squad

HEARTS manager Jim Jefferies saw three players pick up suspensions against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday but consoled himself with the knowledge that none will miss the Edinburgh derby.

Eggert Jonsson will sit out Saturday's visit of Motherwell after being sent off by Iain Brines for a professional foul on Steven Naismith before Kenny Miller netted the second goal in Rangers' 2-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League victory on Sunday.

David Obua and Larry Kingston have also been hit by one-match bans after being booked and they will miss the game against Dundee United on 5 May.

Goodwillie hails Houston

DAVID GOODWILLIE expressed his gratitude to Dundee United manager Peter Houston before collecting the Clydesdale Bank Premier League young player of the year award.

The 21-year-old, who beat fellow nominee Anthony Stokes of Hibs to the award, has shone under Houston and has been a regular since the turn of the year.

Goodwillie has scored 12 goals this season and hailed the influence of Houston, who took over from Craig Levein in December.

"He has shown faith in me and I have really enjoyed working with him," the Scotland Under-21 internationalist said. "I like it because he can talk me through things in the good times and the bad times.

"He tells me to keep the head up if we are not playing well."

Rangers defender David Weir was the Player of the Year, with Ibrox boss Walter Smith Manager of the Year.

While Stokes missed out on the young player award, the Hibs striker did, at least, win Goal of the Season for his superb strike against Rangers at Ibrox in November. The Easter Road club also collected Best Community Initiative for their Under-19 Community Engagement Initiative.

Ex-Sevilla boss hopes for Celtic job

FORMER Sevilla boss Manolo Jimenez has revealed he would "love" to manage Celtic.

The 46-year-old, who masterminded two Champions League victories over Rangers this season, has been out of work since being sacked last month.

He said: "I'd love to coach Celtic because they are the Real Madrid or Barcelona of Scotland with the biggest support.

"I was manager of the Sevilla B team when Celtic fans invaded Seville for the UEFA Cup final against Porto. Seville welcomed the Celtic fans and they will always be remembered.

"Jock Wallace was my manager at Sevilla when I played there alongside Ted McMinn. And, of course, I was manager of Sevilla when we beat Rangers in the Champions League.

"I've also been learning English for the last three months – an hour a day – and my teacher is actually a Scottish man called Ally.

"It's funny how I've a few Scottish connections. Maybe God is telling me I will