JIM FARRY

The Scottish Football League was today saddened and shocked to hear of the untimely death yesterday of its former Secretary, Jim Farry.

Jim Farry, at the age of 25, was the youngest-ever Secretary of the League and when he took up his appointment in May 1979, he was already a seasoned administrator having served his apprenticeship with the SFA, the body to which he would return as Chief Executive in January, 1990.  Jim was only the fourth man to hold the office of full-time SFL Secretary, having taken over from Tommy Maule, and joined the organisation at a time when Scottish football was entering a period of great change.  The 1980’s saw an age of commercialism and heightened media exposure for sport and Jim found himself immersed in the pursuit of sponsorship for its competitions.  He successfully negotiated agreements firstly with Fine Fare and then with B&Q for the sponsorship of the League Championship, and secured the support of Bell’s and later SKOL for the League Cup Competition.  Jim was also at the helm when “Freedom of Movement” for players was introduced to Scottish football in May, 1980.

Jim Farry was widely regarded as one of the most respected administrators of the game not only in Scotland but also within FIFA and UEFA during his time in charge of both the League and Association.  The staff who worked with him at West Regent Street during that decade remember him as a stickler for detail who had a thorough knowledge of the Rules and who worked wholeheartedly for the good of the game.  He was also a very shy and compassionate man, with a dry sense of humour, who although dedicated to his job, was a committed family man who enjoyed the pleasures and values of family life.

Our thoughts and sympathies are very much with Elaine, Alyson and Euan at this very sad and difficult time.