SFA chief Regan calls for serious changes

Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan has called for serious change in the domestic top flight following the country’s worst European club display in display.

Regan described the failure to keep a team in Europe as a “real low point for the Scottish game” although Celtic could win a reprieve as conquerors Sion may be expelled amid a dispute over a transfer embargo.

The fact remains that all four clubs have been knocked out at the first hurdle in the Europa League – and Rangers also in the Champions League.

Dundee United’s home win over Slask Wroclaw was the only victory in ten legs that they, the Old Firm and Hearts played, and Regan believes Scotland must develop a more competitive top flight that can retain top players.

Scotland manager Craig Levein yesterday named a 25-man squad that featured just five SPL players, all from the Old Firm. And while Levein is happy that most of his players are being tested at the top level in England, Regan admits the drain of young talent is a worry.

SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster has so far failed to instigate the major reforms of the competition he proposed, and Regan believes ongoing intransigence could prove costly.

After watching Rangers crash out to Slovenian side Maribor, Regan said: “It’s absolutely fundamental that we have a competition where we can develop players where they can play against good quality players.

“We need better facilities, particularly in the winter – indoor facilities and artificial surfaces where our players can practise and get coached. I think we need to develop more and better coaches – there are a number of things we need to do.”

He added: “The home grown talent is taking too long to develop. The good ones are moving away and that needs to change. It’s sad we can’t retain and develop our homegrown talent. We have to look at our own league competition and try to get it organised as quickly as possible.”