The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Government open to Hampden talks
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the Scottish Government is “open to discussions” on the future of Hampden.
SFA chiefs are set to investigate plans to renovate the national stadium after opting out of a move to Murrayfield.
The governing body’s chief executive Ian Maxwell has called for “collective action” to transform the ground – heavily criticised by the Tartan Army for the overall experience it provides and especially the views on offer from the two stands behind the goals – and hopes to persuade Holyrood bosses to help pay for the refurbishment work.
The SFA announced earlier this month had struck a £5million deal to buy it H amp den from Queen’ s Park but that was only made possible after businessmen Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter stepped forward to donate around half the purchase cost.
Maxwell has already stated the SFA could look to follow the model used by VfB Stuttgart when they removed the running track from their Mercedes-Benz Arena in 2011 – although experts have warned it could cost up to £90m to replicate that project in Glasgow.
Now Ms Sturgeon says she is happy to hold talks with H amp den chiefs to see how the Government can assist.
The First Minister said: “(Staying at H amp den) was a decision forth eS FA. I get the sense that a lot of people across the country are pleased with that decision.
“Clearly it was controversial and there are people who will think another decision should have been made. Now it’s about looking to the future. We will continue to have discussions with the SFA.
Ms Sturgeon was speaking as it was confirmed Scotland Women will be able to train full-time for next year’s World Cup thanks to a Government funding boost.
Holyrood chiefs have pledged around £80,000 in extra cash to Shelley Kerr’s team to ensure the members of her squad not currently professionals are able to prepare for the finals in France full-time from January.