McLeish calls for changes

Henry McLeish has presented part two of his review of Scottish football calling for substantial changes to the game in Scotland.

The former First Minister was at Hampden to discuss his "Structures, Leadership and Governance" document which has been presented to the public in the same week as proposals formulated by the Scottish Premier League's Strategic Review Group, which are to be put to the 12 SPL clubs next Monday.

The SPL proposals include an SPL 1 and 2 of 10 teams each and an early start to the season which will include a winter break and play-offs. However, McLeish's report goes further and he is scathing in his assessment of the current set-up within the SFA and called for the nine standing committees to be removed and replaced by two new boards.

He also called for a new judicial panel to effectively replace the disciplinary and general purposes committee as well as other changes to long-standing structures within the SFA.

McLeish said: "The review is intended to provide a comprehensive assessment of the problems, challenges and opportunities facing football. My report goes far beyond the obvious manifestation of underachievement and under performance.

"It asks searching questions about the mindset of the game in Scotland and the structures, mission, ethos and organisation of Scottish football. Our institutions are amongst the oldest in the world. The burden of history influences what we do and there has been, for far too long, a reluctance to embrace modernisation and make the game effective and efficient in the 21st century."

George Peat, Scottish FA president, said: "It was my original intention to sanction a report that was wide-ranging in its investigation of Scottish football and uncompromising in its recommendations. I have not been disappointed by Henry's work.

"The Scottish FA have shown a willingness to embrace change and there is a determination within the board and the organisation as a whole to provide a world-class service to Scottish football.

"This report includes many sobering realities for us and the game in general but will not shy away from our responsibilities. We are committed to change and we believe now is the time to act for the same of game at all levels, from grassroots to elite performance.

"I have been encouraged by the help and support of the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League in this regard and together we can implement measures that will ensure a more prosperous future for the game."