Mawhinney appointed Football League chairman

Irish born former British Conservative Party chairman Brian Mawhinney was today unveiled as the new chairman of the Football League.

Mawhinney, 62 is originally from Belfast and worked as a Junior Minister in the Northern Ireland office during the 1980s and 1990s.

He takes up the post at a pivotal time, with the League facing continuing financial pressures as a result of the collapse of ITV Digital and with discussions ongoing as to restructuring and wage-capping.

His predecessor, Keith Harris, was forced to leave his post at the start of this season amid the fall-out from the League’s failure to win a court battle for compensation from Carlton and Granada.

Mawhinney, a former Cabinet Minister, realises the extent of the challenges ahead of him but is looking forward to taking on the part-time role of being independent non-executive chairman of the League.

“This is an important job, which needless to say, I will take seriously, but football is also fun and I intend to enjoy that aspect too,” he said in a statement released by the League.

“Everybody knows that this is a crucial time for football, with discussions about the financial pressures on clubs.

“I am coming in at a time when important issues, such as restructuring and transfer windows, are being addressed and need to be resolved.

“On the other hand, I come to the role aware that the League is enjoying huge support with attendances on the up and up, and I want to play my part in building an even better future for the 72 clubs.

Mawhinney, a supporter of Peterborough United, has been an MP for the past 23 years and served as Secretary of State for Transport and Minister of State in the Northern Ireland Office. He takes over his new post in January.