Steve Clarke has discovered exactly how hopeless Ian Maxwell is as Chief Executive of the SFA.
The former Partick Thistle chief has been making noises in various interviews about wanting to be part of the party when Hampden hosts three group matches in the summer at Euro 2020.
Clarke has made it very clear that he wants the SPFL to reschedule matches to assist the national team against Israel in the play-off semi-final to reach the Euros.
Scotland’s place in the Play Off tie on March 26 was known when the SPFL fixtures were drawn up but no allowance was made for the national team.
Clarke had hoped that the fixtures on Saturday March 21 could be played on the Friday night but hapless Maxwell hasn’t even made a request to the SPFL to bring their fixtures forward one day.
Covering a meeting of the Professional Game Board on Tuesday the Daily Record reports:
But despite Clarke’s wishes, SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell confirmed during the meeting he has no plans to table a formal request for any of the Premiership matches to be brought forward – even though it could give as many as 10 Scotland squad members an extra 24 hours of preparation time.
A special Record Sport investigation has revealed Clarke’s big plan hasn’t even been officially discussed with the top 12 clubs. And Maxwell appeared to rule out the prospect entirely as the clock ticks down to Scotland’s date with destiny on Thursday March 26.
A source said: “The whole thing seems be clouded in considerable confusion. Ian was asked yesterday if he had any intention of requesting games are moved to the Friday night. He was quite categorical in his answer when he said the SFA will not be asking for a Friday night card.”
Celtic play St Johnstone on March 21 but that will be put back 24 hours if Neil Lennon’s side progress in the Europa League which would see them playing on Thursday March 19.
Clarke has regular starters in his team from Aberdeen, Hearts and Kilmarnock but his Chief Executive is unwilling to even request a fixture change of less than 24 hours. The weekend of March 28 and 29 has been set aside for international football with no top flight fixtures in Scotland.
Despite having the investment of multi-millionaire Colin Weir, Maxwell led Partick Thistle from top six in the SPFL Premiership to relegation over 12 months before quitting the club for Hampden. Thistle are currently bottom of the SPFL Championship.
