Former St Johnstone defender named new SFA chief executive

HAMPDEN: Former defender vows to work tirelessly to shape a better future

Partick Thistle managing director Ian Maxwell has been chosen as the Scottish Football Association’s chief executive.

The former St Johnstone defender was widely tipped for the role, especially after stepping down from the SFA board last month.

Maxwell, 42, will take up his new position on May 21 after interim chief executive Andrew McKinlay departs for Scottish Golf.

His appointment comes after Stewart Regan suddenly vacated the role on February 1, after wide criticism of his handling of the recruitment process for the Scotland manager’s job which saw a protracted attempt to prise Michael O’Neill from Northern Ireland fail.

Reports claimed Maxwell was destined for the role after a compromise agreement between two factions on the SFA board when Alex McLeish was appointed Scotland manager.

But the governing body insisted there was a thorough search for the right person to succeed Regan.

SFA president Alan McRae said: “Ian emerged from a robust recruitment process which attracted interest from a range of candidates across the UK and beyond.

“We were convinced that Ian’s track record, communication skills and leadership qualities will allow him to grasp the challenges of today and fulfil our potential as an association and as a footballing nation in the future.

“Ian will bring a huge amount of football knowledge to the role. He has built up a terrific reputation in the industry and is respected across the game.”

Maxwell played in every division of the Scottish league with Queen’s Park, Ross County, St Johnstone, St Mirren and Partick Thistle, before becoming assistant to then Jags boss Ian McCall.

He moved into the role of general manager in 2011 before becoming managing director and joining the Firhill board of directors three years later. He also had a spell on the Scottish Professional Football League board before moving to the SFA board.

On his imminent return to Hampden, Maxwell said: “This is a very proud moment for myself and my family.

“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 that we will need to tackle.

“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.”

The appointment was backed by SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster, who replaced Maxwell on the SFA board and vowed to forge stronger links between the bodies.

“Ian combines a superb track record of innovation and delivery as an administrator with a well-earned reputation as a football man,” Doncaster said.

“Having seen his positive impact on our SPFL competitions working group, particularly driving change in the Betfred and Irn-Bru cups, everyone at the SPFL is really looking forward to working with him for the good of the game.”

“I am hugely excited about the role. IAN MAXWELL