MacLennan proud to take over as chairman of SPFL

Senior media executive Murdoch MacLennan is the new chairman of the Scottish Professional Football League, replacing the outgoing Ralph Topping, writes Ian Roache.

MacLennan (68), who is deputy chairman of Telegraph Media Group and chairman of the Press Association Group, will formally take over the SPFL non-executive role from the outgoing Topping at the start of next month.

He said: “I am thrilled to have been selected to be the next chairman of the Scottish Professional Football League, and to build on the achievements of Ralph Topping.

“I am so proud to be a part of its future.

“I greatly look forward to working with (SPFL chief executive) Neil Doncaster and to the opportunities and challenges that are ahead for the whole of Scottish football.”

Doncaster welcomed the appointment, saying: “Murdoch brings with him a wealth of top-level business and media experience and has been at the cutting edge of the digital revolution as CEO and now deputy chairman of the Telegraph Media Group.

“He demonstrated a real passion for the role and a clear insight into the opportunities and challenges we will face in the years ahead.

“There was very strong interest in the role from a host of highly-qualified candidates but Murdoch was the board’s unanimous choice and we look forward to working with him as we continue to drive the game to even greater success in Scotland.”