SPFL statement

The SPFL has today announced the retirement of Company Secretary & Director of Operations, Iain Blair. Calum Beattie, who joined the SPFL in 2017 as Assistant Company Secretary, takes over from Iain with immediate effect.

Iain joined the SPL upon its formation in 1998 and has overseen a period of huge change in Scottish football, including two Scottish clubs reaching the finals of UEFA competitions and the merger of the SPL and SFL in 2013.

SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: “On behalf of the SPFL Board and our 42 member clubs, I would like to thank Iain for his huge contribution to Scottish football during nearly a quarter of a century in the role.

“Iain had intended to step down in summer 2020, but agreed to defer his retirement by six months to help steer the League through the Covid-19 crisis. League fixturing and acting as guardian of the League rulebook are difficult tasks at the best of times but Iain has retained a calm positivity and cheerfulness even amidst some of the most challenging moments. On a personal note, I wish him and his wife Susan a very happy and well-deserved retirement.

“Calum Beattie has served a four-year apprenticeship with the League and is a very capable and talented individual. I have complete faith in Calum’s ability to step up and take over from Iain as we navigate through the ongoing pandemic.”

Iain Blair said: “Arriving at the SPL portacabin offices on Somerville Drive in the summer of 1998 – Hampden was in the midst of reconstruction at the time – I did not know what lay ahead. I was excited and expected that it would be challenging, interesting, enjoyable and frustrating; I was not wrong. That I am only now leaving, more than 22 years later, is thanks to very many friends and colleagues who have supported and encouraged me throughout. There are too many to mention here but they know who they are; I am exceedingly grateful to each and every one of them. I am also delighted to leave everything in Calum Beattie’s safe and capable hands.”

Calum Beattie said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Company Secretary & Director of Operations for the SPFL.

“As a passionate supporter of Scottish football, it is a real privilege. I would like to thank Iain for his generous support in preparing me for this role and wish him a very healthy and happy retirement. I now look forward to working with our member clubs in facing the many challenges that we still have ahead of us.”