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16th July 2007

Fraser Wishart joins Gordon Taylor to launch PFA Scotland

Professional footballers in Scotland have a new voice in the familiar face of Fraser Wishart who is the Chief Executive of the new PFA Scotland (Professional Footballers' Association Scotland).

The new union will have an affiliation with the Professional Footballers' Association of England and Wales and that endorsement was made in person today by PFA Chief Executive, Gordon Taylor.

Fraser Wishart commented: "We are delighted to announce the launch of the new PFA Scotland and to work to represent the interests of professional footballers in Scotland at all levels of the professional game.

"As well representing players with contractual and employment issues, a priority of the new PFA Scotland, will be to promote and encourage further education for a career after football.

"Understandably, playing at the pinnacle of their careers a small number of players reap the benefits that their talent brings them but it is also important to remember that every summer in the region of 400 players are forced to leave the game seeking alternative employment.

"The new union will be also be meeting with organisations that share our principles of tackling prejudice in all forms in football and society as whole.

"We will seek to utilise the mass public and media interest that football enjoys to promote positive messages on social issues such as sectarianism and racism.

"I am delighted to confirm that Scottish International and Rangers central defender David Weir and has agreed to become founder members of the PFA Scotland. Jack Ross of Falkirk Football Club has agreed to become our inaugural chairman."

David Weir comments: "I am delighted to become a founder member of the PFA Scotland. I now believe we have an organisation - led by Fraser (Wishart) equipped to take us forward and ensure that the players in Scotland have a voice."

Falkirk defender Jack Ross said: "We have just had our first committee meeting and I am honoured to be the first chairman of the PFA Scotland."

Gordon Taylor comments: "We are delighted to endorse the PFA Scotland and look forward to a close affiliation with the PFA in England and Wales.

"Both organisations share the same principles of working with professional players both individually and collectively, to ensure that their interests are suitably represented and that they are also properly prepared for a life after football when their career comes to an end.

"Fraser Wishart is a highly respected figure in the world of football. His credentials in representing players on every level of football in Scotland is second to none.

"We look forward to working in partnership with Fraser and the PFA Scotland."

Source: FIFPro