Talks over Hampden rescue bid
GLASGOW City Council have opened talks with the SFA over a new rescue plan to save Hampden. But council chiefs have already warned the governing body there will be no public money to maintain the home of Scottish football unless they see a detailed plan to drag the national stadium into the 21st Century. talks between the SFA and Scotland’s largest local authority over the future of Hampden took place earlier this week. Fearful the governing body will carry out a threat to quit the home of Scottish football after the Euro 2020 finals, the council have signed up to a working party aiming to find ways to salvage the stadium. the SFA’s current tenancy agreement ends in two years. Chief executive Stewart Regan has already warned it will cost ‘many, many millions of pounds’ to maintain the ageing venue over the course of a new 20-year lease. Recognising Hampden’s economic and social value, Glasgow City Council have offered logistical assistance. But they insist cold, hard cash is contingent on the stadium becoming a sustainable asset for the city of Glasgow. A council source told
Sportsmail: ‘there’s a willingness to work with the SFA. We’re unambiguous that we want Hampden to remain the home of Scottish football. ‘Once the SFA asked us for our input into these discussions, we agreed and have now put a plan into action. ‘But we’re also clear that we need the SFA to develop a much wider vision of what Hampden can be, not what it has been and is, and where the public purse can benefit if the public purse were to assist. ‘What can they provide by way of facilities which works for our communities, what might a partnership look like, how financially buoyant are
they, what are the other revenue streams which they have explored? ‘We’re custodians of the public purse in a city with a multitude of challenges. ‘We won’t be bounced into something blind. At the same time, we have made our willingness to begin engaging clear.’ The SFA board discussed Hampden at a meeting on Thursday. Concerned that a new lease could cost Scotland’s clubs millions of pounds to maintain the stadium, the governing body are currently awaiting a comprehensive report on the cost of taking Scotland internationals and cup finals around the country to Murrayfield, Celtic Park, Ibrox and other stadia. Glasgow City Council hope to persuade the SFA to delay any final decision until ways to avoid the doomsday scenario of an empty, derelict stadium are fully evaluated. Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken confirmed talks with the governing body, saying: ‘We have discussed the future of Hampden Park together with the SFA this week and expressed our hope that it remains the home of Scottish football. ‘The economic, historic and social case for the national stadium to retain its Glasgow home of 115 years is compelling. ‘As a result of these discussions, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life have agreed to be part of a working group to explore any options brought forward by the SFA for Hampden’s future and where it can bring added value to the city. ‘We will provide logistical support where required but, ultimately, the vision for a sustainable future for Hampden is for the SFA, Hampden Park Limited and Queen’s Park Football Club to develop. ‘We are confident we can work within the SFA’s time frames and look forward to discussing the options which come to the table — as we together seek a positive outcome for Hampden and its role in the city’s economic, sporting and cultural life.’