Hay: Smith appointment 'makes sense'

Gordon Smith will be installed as the new chief executive of the Scottish Football Association this morning – with his former boss confident he is the right man for the job.

Smith is expected to quit as a player agent and give up his role as a pundit to commit fully to the demanding SFA role.

The 52-year-old former Kilmarnock, Rangers, Brighton and Manchester City striker was the surprise choice of the SFA.

However Davie Hay, who Smith worked under as assistant manager with St Mirren in the early 1990s, is adamant the bold move will be rewarded.

“From my point of view it makes sense and I believe most people in the game will back his appointment,” Hay told The Sun.

Scotland boss Alex McLeish has already given his seal of approval to the appointment of Smith as new UEFA general secretary David Taylor’s successor, which is due to be confirmed by the SFA board.

Hay said: “Alex McLeish will welcome Gordon’s arrival, but I feel it could be the levels below the national team which will benefit most.

“I don’t know how good his brief relationship with David Taylor was, but possibly Alex will feel more at ease working with a football man.

“I think it is a very good choice by the SFA. Many people were expecting them to go for someone with a mainly business background. But they have opted for a man with a strong football background.

“The general public will definitely find it easier relating to Gordon than an unknown businessman.”