Crawford Allan appointed Head of Referee Operations by SFA

Crawford Allan has been appointed as the Scottish Football Association's new head of referee operations.

The 52-year-old from Edinburgh began his referee career in 1991 and became a category one official in 2002, retaining that status until retirement two years ago.

Allan has also amassed more than 35 years of experience in change and risk management in the banking sector and was chair of the Scottish Senior Football Referees' Association, the representative body for match officials.

He takes up his new post with immediate effect and will undertake a handover period with Thomas Murphy, who was appointed as interim head of referee operations after the tragic death of John Fleming last October.

Allan said: "I am privileged to have been involved in refereeing for almost 30 years and it is an honour to be asked to become head of referee operations.

"l would like to pay tribute to my predecessor, John Fleming: a man for whom I had the greatest respect and whose loss continues to be felt by everyone involved in refereeing.

"I will give my utmost to build on the legacy he has left behind with honour.''

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: "Crawford's breadth of knowledge and experience in refereeing and in business made him the ideal candidate for a hugely important and complex role as head of referee operations.

"He was a match official respected among his peers and across the game: indeed, he was selected by referees to chair the SSFRA and represent their interests. 2

"Above that, with over 30 years in risk and change management, he has the professional experience to oversee and evolve the refereeing infrastructure for which the Scottish FA is responsible, in recruitment of match officials, retention of existing referees and, of course, the development of future category one officials.''

Allan's daughter, Vikki, is a FIFA assistant referee and match official and a Scottish FA youth ambassador for change.

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