SPFL announce new chief executive

Neil Doncaster has beaten David Longmuir in the ‘battle’ to become Chief Executive of the newly formed Scottish Professional Football League.

A brief statement on the SPL website tonight said: “The Remuneration and Appointment Committee of the SPFL can advise that Neil Doncaster has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer of the SPFL.

“The SPFL looks forward to continuing with the implementation of one representative body and the commencement of season 2013/14 for the benefit of all 42 member clubs.”

The choice of Doncaster or Longmuir proved to be totally underwhelming for the majority of football supporters with both men heavily involved in the embarassing events of the last two years.

Doncaster battled throughout last summer to provide an SPL place for Rangers as they went into liquidation going as far to describe the effect of the top flight without the Ibrox club as Armageddon.

Despite that prediction the 11 member clubs refused to provide the newco with a place at the top table of Scottish football.

Before becoming CE of the SPL Doncaster held a similar position at Norwich City but was relieved of his post when the club sunk into League One.

Since then Norwich have enjoyed back to back promotions and are now looking forward to their third successive season in the Barclay’s Premiership.

Under Doncaster’s leadership there is unlikely to be any innovations in the SPFL with the critical issue of licencing and Financial Fair Play likely to be given a wide berth as recent events at Tynecastle have illustrated.

Until there is transparency and accountability the name at the top of the headed paper is unlikely to increase confidence in Scottish football.

While Doncaster celebrates his success it’s likely that Longmuir will seek a role with one of the lower division clubs.