Concerns for McLeish report ahead of SFA AGM
The wide ranging report from the former First Miniser was published in December and was widely regarded as a no holds barred attack on the workings of the SFA.
Chief Executive Stewart Regan has thrown his support firmly behind the report as he comes to terms with the archaic workings of the SFA.
McLeish damned the SFA claiming that there is a great deal of insularity, exclusiveness and isolationism as well as saying that openness, transparency and accountability are lacking.
The report needs to get 75% backing from all members of the SFA to be approved with McLeish appealing for members to put aside vested interests for the good of the game.
Creating accountability and streamling the old boys committee network are priorities of the McLeish report but involve a number of turkeys voting for an early christmas.
Regan has arrived at the SFA with a mandate to bring the organisation into the modern era but that could upset the traditionalists concerned about the pace of change and missing out on the committee gravy train.
Addressing the concerns of some members McLeish said: “In any form of institution there is vested interest. Vested interest is part and parcel of a modern world, an old world, maybe an ancient world. But that’s not the issue.
“What we’re talking about is bigger and more significant than any individual, any player, and manager, any chairman, any board member, any official within the SFA or SPL.
“This is about the future of the game and everyone should recognise they are in football because of the game.
“I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime, once-in-a-generation opportunity. I think that’s why people will seize it. I think people know the game is not in good shape.
“People know the game has many problems and difficulties and this is the first time I have seen the prospect of change actually happening. If we don’t see the changes put through on Tuesday, Scotland will have lost a marvellous opportunity. It may not happen again.”
Regan has had a hellish introduction to Scottish football with a number of issues landing on his desk before he had time to settle into the job.
If the McLeish report isn’t implemented it’s difficult to see him staying in the job and trying to make sense of rules that have been held up to ridicule.
“Stewart Regan was a very, very wise appointment,” McLeish added.
“He’s had a quick learning experience and had to rise to the curve very quickly.
“But he has done an enormous amount of work to make sure that everything goes smoothly on Tuesday. I believe that on Tuesday all the participants will rise to the occasion.”
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