Huge donation toward cost helped seal deal

The SFA confirmed that Glasgow businessman Lord Willie Haughey, a former Queen’s Park player and Celtic director, had pledged half of the purchase cost.

Maxwell, who also played for Scotland’s oldest club, said: “Lord Haughey’s contribution was instrumental in getting the deal done with Queen’s Park in terms of ownership of the stadium.

“If there was no deal with Queen’s Park I would be sitting here telling you we were going to Murrayfield. It played a vital part. But in terms of the overall deal we looked at both options over a 20-year period.

“The money that Lord Haughey has given is hugely generous and we are thankful for it but over a 20-year period it didn’t have a material impact on the running costs of the stadium or what it would have meant to Murrayfield but was vitally important in terms of the deal with Queen’s Park.”

Maxwell conceded there was widespread disgruntlement about Hampden’s suitability but vowed to go in search of fresh money redevelopment.

“There is no doubt Hampden needs to be improved,” he said. “There are a number of partners who have said that they would be willing to help us, whether it is Glasgow City Council or the Scottish Government. A lot of people have said they will be part of that journey with us.

“We have not really looked at the private investment market in any great detail.

“There are obviously funds we can generate now that we own the stadium and can maximise revenue from that.” for its