Jim Ballantyne will not be distracted by SFL role

Nov 25 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

JIM BALLANTYNE says Airdrie will remain his “ultimate” priority after being installed as the new president of the Scottish Football League.

The Diamonds chairman moved into his new role yesterday after Brown McMaster decided to stand down from the organisation after two and a half years at the helm.

Ballantyne had been vice-president of the management committee since the summer of 2007 but will now take on the top job.

However, he has told Airdrie fans that the club, who are currently bottom of the First Division after just one win from 15 games, are still his main focus.

He said: “Please be assured that, as chairman of Airdrie, my ultimate priority is Airdrie Football Club and I remain fully committed to turning things around.”

The New Broomfield supremo also paid a glowing tribute to the outgoing McMaster.

Ballantyne added: “I am saddened that Brown has decided to stand down but I fully understand his reasons for doing so and I wish him well in the future.

“Brown stood up to the plate at a time of great anxiety in Scottish football when change was needed and it is extremely relevant to compare the state of the SFL now and the SFL then, and that is no disrespect to previous participators.

“The amount of man hours he has devoted to the SFL in his term of office is staggering despite most of it going on behind the scenes unnoticed.

“He will leave the SFL in great shape in difficult economic times and I will do my utmost to carry on his good work.”