MIKE MULRANEY has been elected as the new president of the Scottish FA.

The long-standing Alloa chairman was appointed at the Scottish FA AGM on Tuesday, June 6, after serving as vice-president for the past four years.

Mulraney will replace the outgoing Rod Petrie, who he stood in for during a period of the former president’s ill health in 2020.

Speaking exclusively to the Advertiser, Mulraney said he was excited to step into the role permanently and outlined some of what he wanted to achieve.

“I’m very pleased to be appointed," he said. "I’ve been involved in the administration of Scottish football for many years and now I’m very happy to be honoured by my colleagues in Scottish football electing me as the president.

“I’ve been involved for some time and we’ve already started – it’s fantastic to be involved in some of the high level stuff both nationally and internationally.

“A particular interest for me will be in facilities throughout the nation and looking at where we can ensure that both kids and adults can get access to pitches.

“A big focus going forward will see the SFA concentrate on that and we’re already working with the Scottish and the UK Government to do that.

“It’s also something that we will be looking to work with local authorities to ensure that they partner up with clubs to enhance facilities throughout the country.”

Mulraney will be joined by Hamilton Academical vice-chairman Les Gray, who has been appointed as the vice-president of the SFA.

In a statement released by the SFA, Mulraney expanded on his aims and the work he has already made in progressing them.

He added: “We made an impassioned plea at Holyrood only last week urging government and politicians to see us as allies in improving the health and wellbeing of the country and that is something I am determined to facilitate in a practical sense.

“The national association is primarily responsible for the development of the game, the grassroots, and it is imperative we work with governments both national and local, philanthropists, commercial and charitable partners, to improve the fundamental infrastructure of our game – facilities.

“We have already agreed a £20million fund with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and need more investment.

“We need to retain and upgrade the pitches we currently have, attain new funding for new facilities, especially to meet the growth of girls’ and women’s football, and ensure we contribute to sustainable clubs and communities, both from a financial and an environmental perspective.

“This will be a key priority for me as president and I look forward to working with partners to improve our infrastructure.”

Mulraney has been chairman of Alloa Athletic for 20 years.