Lifeline funding discussed

Investment manager makes SPFL ‘extremely generous’ offer

Scottish league officials have reported a “positive initial discussion” over an “extremely generous” offer to provide financial assistance to all 42 clubs.

Edinburgh investment manager James Anderson has emerged as the “philanthropist”, flagged up by Hearts owner Ann Budge, who was willing to help lower-division clubs through the pandemic.

But the Scottish Professional Football League update suggests potential financial input could benefit all member clubs.

A statement read: “SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan and SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster met with James Anderson via video call this morning and had a positive initial discussion about the proposal from James to provide financial support to the 42 clubs.

“This support is intended to assist all SPFL clubs to deal with the effects of Covid-19 at this time of crisis.”

Doncaster, pictured, added: “We had a very constructive and worthwhile discussion with James and we agreed on the need to progress things as swiftly as possible.

“The offer from

James is an extremely generous one and we have committed to work together to quickly iron out the details and develop a concrete proposal which could make a significant difference to our 42 clubs.” Anderson was quoted in the Daily Record as saying his offer was not dependent on league reconstruction plans, which are being driven by Budge. Anderson has been a partner of Edinburghbased asset management firm Baillie Gifford since 1987 and is co-manager of the £9 billion Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust as well as being a trustee of Johns Hopkins University.

Anderson and other wealthy backers are understood to have invested £9 million into Hearts over the last seven years.

A source close to

Anderson said: “James understands the extent to which communities and cultural institutions have been affected by the Covid-19 crisis and appreciates the vital role football plays in Scottish day-to-day life.

“Categorically, this is no Trojan horse for some SPFL takeover or a plan to keep Hearts in the Premiership. He is simply an individual who has done well in business life and understands the importance of giving back.”