1. The Scottish Communities League Cup is entering a very exciting stage of the competition. What have you made of the competition so far this season with shock results for Stenhousemuir, Queen's Park and Raith Rovers in the early rounds and then Rangers winning against Motherwell in the Third Round?
The Scottish League Cup has always thrown up shocks and surprises. Last season’s Cup Final where Kilmarnock deservedly beat Celtic, Partick Thistle winning in the early 70s and even further back, East Fife winning the cup on three occasions, are examples of this. I am sure that this season’s cup will continue to surprise and excite fans across Scotland.
2. What do you see as the benefits of the Government's backing of the competition?
Our backing of The Scottish Communities League Cup is all about promoting what is good about the game and putting football clubs back at the heart of their communities. We are helping support clubs increase the number of opportunities for young people to get involved in sport and physical activity through clubs' community programmes, identifying potential youth employment opportunities for young people in the community and educating young people to understand the three pillars of the cup: Respect, Responsibility and Tolerance.
3. In the last Scottish Communities League Cuo issue of the Newsletter, Andy McLaren spoke about the positive benefits that his company, A and M Training, have seen from using funds from the 'CashBack from Criminals' programme to give children positive choices. How many good examples are there of similar positive programmes across Scotland?
There are too many to mention here! The 'CashBack for Communities Programme' has invested over £46 million since 2007 in providing over 600,000 young Scots the opportunity to participate in free diversionary activities within their local communities. Of that, almost £26 million has been re-invested in sport and physical activity delivering positive ways to expand young peoples’ horizons and increase their opportunities to develop interests and skills in an enjoyable, fulfilling and supported way. This investment in both sports facilities and free activities is about much more than preventing crime and anti-social behaviour and is helping bring communities together. It was a pleasure to meet Andy at the Draw, doing some fantastic work with young people.
4. Was it an exciting event for you when you carried out the Third Round Draw of The Scottish Communities League Cup?
It was exciting as I had never been involved in a Cup Draw. I think it was very exciting for all the media who attended as they obviously hoped that the Old Firm would be drawn together. When I drew Celtic out first, I noted that there was a collective inhale of breath awaiting Andy drawing out Rangers. It wasn't to be but the Draw certainly provided some exciting ties.
5. Are you a keen football fan and who would you say have been your favourite players?
My favourite player was Jimmy Johnstone, what a character and what a footballer. A genuinely world class footballer from Scotland. I particularly admired the way in which he never gave in and the harder you incited him, the better he played.
6. Finally, Livingston FC's Chief Executive, Ged Nixon, has mentioned that the two of you used to play in the same football team together. What was your football career and who was the better player - you or Ged?
You would never ask Lionel Messi whether he is a better player that Ronaldo so I don't think it is appropriate to comment! I played forward at school and university level and then played 5 aside after I left university. I wasn't very good but I love the sport both playing and watching. I try and take in some games but due to work commitments, this can be very difficult.
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