David Longmuir tribute to Jim Ballantyne

Outgoing SFL chief executive David Longmuir has praised the last-ever president of the organisation, Jim Ballantyne, for his help and support through the choppy waters of Scottish football.

Longmuir, who is in the race for the top job at the newly-formed Scottish Professional Football League alongside the SPL’s Neil Doncaster reckons that the Airdrieonians chairman has been an unsung hero.

Longmuir said: “Jim will go down in history as the last president of the SFL and it should also be noted ithat he was an excellent president. He provided great leadership in that position when you consider we had some major challenges, including the introduction of Rangers into the SFL at short notice, during his near four years in charge.” We also had major financial issues at Livingston, Dundee and Dunfermline as well as a host of other concerns but Jim led the organisation through in his own very determined style.”

Ballantyne has no formal role in the SPFL at the moment and Longmuir is hoping that will change. He said: “Jim gave countless hours to the SFL and clubs up and down the country have a lot to be thankful to him for. He did all this as well as running his business and dealing with Airdrieonians and that experience needs to be used.”