Key figures from Rangers and Hibernian are among seven newly elected representatives set to serve on the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Board for the 2025/26 season, following the league’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday.
The board, which is made up of representatives from all four professional divisions in Scotland, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the domestic game over the next year.
Premiership Representation
- Patrick Stewart, Chief Executive of Rangers, has been appointed to the board in what will be his first full season in the role since his December appointment.
- Malcolm McPherson, a long-serving Hibs board member and former non-executive chairman, will also serve. Though he stepped down as chairman last month, McPherson remains actively involved at Easter Road as a non-executive director.
- Phyllis Carroll, Managing Director of Kilmarnock, completes the trio representing the William Hill Premiership.
Speaking after his election, Stewart commented via Rangers’ official 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… Rangers will continue to play its part, offering both challenge and support where needed, as we seek to grow the game together.”
Championship and Lower League Voices
- The William Hill Championship will be represented by:
- Willie Houston (Director, Ayr United)
- David Cook (Chief Executive, Dunfermline Athletic)
- For League One and Two, the representatives are:
- Andrew Allan (Chairman, Alloa Athletic)
- Iain Dougan (Stranraer) will serve as the alternate director.
SPFL Executive Leadership
The elected club officials will join:
- Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive
- Murdoch MacLennan, SPFL Chairman
- Karyn McCluskey, Independent Non-Executive Director
Together, the new board is expected to guide Scottish football through an important period of strategic development, including commercial growth, youth development, and governance reform across the league structure.
The appointments mark a renewed focus on unity, transparency, and progressive planning within the SPFL – themes that many fans and stakeholders will hope are reflected in the board’s actions over the coming season.
