Scottish FA to introduce reforms

After Scotland’s national team failed to qualify for six major finals, sweeping reforms were needed to lift the game and the new changes got the blessing of all 93 Scottish Football Association members who voted unanimously in favour.

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan put forward proposals to streamline and modernise the game in the country. These proposals would mean significant changes in the 138-year history of the SFA with £10m worth of investment made available for the next five years to bring the principles into effect.

Regan called the occasion an historic day as he would take more control in a bid to rationalise the disciplinary process and committee structure of football’s governing body in Scotland.

The positive mood got the backing of the Scottish Senior Football Referees Association, who warmly welcomed the strong support from member clubs.

Next season, Rangers, who retained the championship crown for a third straight league title, will compete in the Champions League.

Celtic, the Scottish FA Cup winners, Dundee United and Hearts will represent Scotland in the Europa League.

Celtic won the Cup with a resounding 3-0 win over Motherwell and earlier in the season Rangers had claimed the League Cup after a 2-1 victory over rivals Celtic in extra time.

The individual prizes were won as follows:

Scottish Football Writers Player of the Year: Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic).

Scottish Premier Player of the Year: Izaguirre.

Scottish Premier League Manager of the Year: Mixu Paatelainen (Kilmarnock, later moved to Finland’s national side).

Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Year: David Goodwillie (Dundee United).

Scottish PFA Player of the Year: Izaguirre.

PFA Young Player of the Year: Goodwillie.