'Real opportunity' - Key Rangers and Hibs figures among seven representatives elected to SPFL board

The 42 member clubs of the SPFL chose the representatives for the forthcoming campaign at the league’s AGM on Wednesday. The board comprises three William Hill Premiership representatives, two from the William Hill Championship and two covering William Hill League 1 and League 2, one as an alternate director.

Included among those elected are Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart and Malcolm McPherson from Hibs.

This is the first full season that Stewart has been CEO at Rangers, having been appointed by the previous board in December last year, while McPherson stepped down from his role as Hibs non-executive chairman last month following the appointment of Ian Gordon, but remains on the Easter Road board as a non-executive director.

Commenting on his appointment, Stewart told the Rangers website: “This is a time of real opportunity for Scottish football. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues from other clubs to ensure we’re united in raising standards and focused on the long-term good of the game.

“Representation in Scottish football is an issue our fans care deeply about, and it was rightly raised at our EGM this week. I take that responsibility seriously. Rangers will continue to play its part, offering both challenge and support where needed, as we seek to grow the game together.”

Also joining the SPFL board from the Premiership is Phyllis Carroll, managing director of Kilmarnock.

The Championship will be represented by Ayr United director Willie Houston and David Cook, the Dunfermline Athletic chief executive, while Alloa Athletic chairman Andrew Allan will represent League Two with Stranraer's Iain Dougan elected as an alternate director.

Each of the elected individuals will serve on the SPFL board alongside SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster, chairman Murdoch MacLennan and independent non-executive director Karyn McCluskey.