HEALER DEALER
NEW DAWN AT HAMPDEN
FROM BACK PAGE when former chief executive Stewart Regan was at the helm of the SFA but Maxwell, 42, is determined to ensure everyone is pulling in the same direction for the betterment of the game.
Regan quit in February after a string of high-profile blunders, including his failure to land Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill as Gordon Strachan’s successor and signing off on a bonkers summer tour of Mexico and Peru without consulting clubs.
But Maxwell is adamant he can work with everyone to improve the image of the Scottish game.
He said: “The game means so much to so many in this country.
“I will work tirelessly to serve all our members, support and lead the Scottish FA’s staff and help bring everyone together to shape a better future for Scottish football.
“Scottish football has been my life, from playing to coaching and on to managing a club.
“I am hugely excited about the role and facing up to the big issues we will need to tackle.
“This is a very proud moment for myself and my family.
“But I am sorry to be leaving Partick Thistle. The Thistle result will always be the first one I look for on a Saturday.”
Maxwell came through a rigorous selection process and his appointment was given the seal of approval along the corridor of Hampden’s sixth floor by SPFL supremo Doncaster.
He has experienced the Partick Thistle chief ’s expertise at close quarters and said: “This is clearly a crucial appointment for the SFA and for Scottish football more widely.
“Ian combines a superb track record of innovation and delivery as an administrator with a well-earned reputation as a football man.”
Jags chairman David Beattie heaped glowing praise on Maxwell and credited him with helping to “transform” the Maryhill side.
Beattie said: “Ian has been one of Partick Thistle’s best signings.
“When I asked him to become our general manager in 2011 he hesitated as he believed his future in football was as a manager.
“I think Ian would agree that together we have been on an amazing journey since then.
“He’s played a major part in the transformation of Thistle and leaves a club that is now almost unrecognisable from when he joined us.
“We are very sorry to see Ian go but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him.”
Meanwhile, the Maryhill club have begun their search for a new managing director with academy director Gerry Britton taking over in an interim role.