Maxwell went through ‘robust process’

Scottish FA president Alan McRae insists Ian Maxwell’s proven track record in Scottish football makes him the perfect fit for the role of chief executive of the association.

The former Ross County defender, who is managing director of Partick Thistle, will take up the role on May 21.

The 42-year-old replaces Stewart Regan, who 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.

McRae said: “Ian emerged from a robust recruitment process which attracted interest

“This is a very proud moment for myself and my family”

from a range of candidates across the UK and beyond.”

Maxwell played in every division of the Scottish league with Queen’s Park, County, St Johnstone, St Mirren and Partick Thistle, before briefly 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 25 years after joining Queen’s Park, Maxwell said: “This is a very proud moment for myself and my family.”

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