AWOL clubs have failed cup sponsor, says SFL chief

SCOTTISH Football League chief executive David Longmuir last night accused Rangers, Dundee United, Motherwell and Falkirk of failing in their duties to one of the game's biggest benefactors by snubbing yesterday's Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final draw at Hampden.

• From left: St Johnstone's Liam Craig, SPFA chief executive Fraser Wishart, Kilmarnock's Alan Combe, Scottish Football League chief executive David Longmuir, Aberdeen's Zander Diamond, Co-operative Insurance representative Joe Kearney, Celtic coach Garry Parker and Aberdeen's Chris Maguire at the Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final draw held at Hampden Park in Gasgow. Picture:SNS

Longmuir has contacted all four clubs to request an explanation of why they failed to send any representatives to the event.

The timing of the embarrassing no-show from trophy holders Rangers and the three others could hardly have been worse for the SFL who are in the middle of trying to negotiate an extension to a sponsorship of the League Cup which is worth more than 1 million a year.

Of the other four clubs in the draw, Celtic sent first-team coach Garry Parker, while Kilmarnock were represented by current second-choice goalkeeper Alan Combe. Only Aberdeen and St Johnstone sent current first team players.

• CIS Cup Draw

The Pittodrie club, the furthest of the remaining participants from Glasgow, actually provided two in the shape of Zander Diamond and Chris Maguire while Liam Craig appeared for St Johnstone. "One of the things sponsors ask for is publicity," said Longmuir. "So I think it is a wee bit thoughtless of those clubs who did not turn up.

"The media help with publicising the tournament through these draws, but we also need personalities from the clubs to be around.

"I've asked those clubs who did not send anyone for their comments. I have reminded the clubs of their obligations. I'm not here to criticise clubs, I know there is pressure on them. There is a daily schedule at every club which we don't want to encroach upon.

"But at the same time, I want clubs to recognise the importance of attending these draws. Getting 1 million a year into football is not easy. There are very few sponsors of that calibre out there just now. We've got one in Co-operative Insurance and we've had them for 12 years. They have put more than 15 million into Scottish football in that time. We've got to keep that kind of money in football. We are currently speaking to them about a renewal. They have announced a big merger with the Britannia Building Society and from that merger they are challenged to deliver a lot of savings. So I'm hoping that doesn't have a knock-on effect, but we are doing what we can."

Longmuir admits the SFL have no power to insist clubs attend the draws but has called for a greater awareness of the potential harm their absence can cause.

"There are no contractual obligations to be here, we rely on the goodwill of the clubs," he added. "I wouldn't like to go down the road of putting some kind of rule in place, because football is already awash with rules. I'd just like the clubs to think a bit more about the importance of this sponsorship. The competition has been fantastic for the clubs through the years. Look at the finals we have had in recent times and just look at the drama and goals we have had this week alone.

"The Co-operative Insurance have been brilliant sponsors. I haven't spoken to them about this, I'm taking it on board myself to comment about it. When times are tough and money is not easily forthcoming, you have to try and deliver a wee bit more for less. You have to ask the community of football to do a bit more to give better value to the sponsors. In Scottish football in general, marketing is an area where we need to do more. Think about sponsorship being the lifeblood of the game at the moment, that would be my message to the clubs." Yesterday's draw saw Rangers and Celtic miss each other in the draw, ending the prospect of two Old Firm matches inside a week in October with the quarter-final ties taking place in the midweek after their first SPL meeting on 24 October. Rangers will continue their defence of the trophy against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park while Celtic will also travel to take on St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. Motherwell play host to Dundee United while Aberdeen landed a home tie against the tournament's sole SFL survivors Falkirk.