SFA honour Keith chief for 25 years’ national service
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A MORAY soccer chief has been honoured by the SFA – before an illustrious company of guests.
Sandy Stables received an inscribed quaich for chalking up 25 years of helping run Scottish football, as pop star Rod Stewart and wife Penny, ex-Aberdeen, Scotland and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Lisbon Lion Billy McNeill looked on.
The presentation took place at Hampden after the Germany European Championships qualifier game, and Sandy hailed it as one of the highlights of a 50-year career of being involved with football.
Joining the Keith FC committee in 1966, he has been chairman since 1978, and has served in the SFA structure as the representative for the Aberdeenshire FC since 1991. He has had high-profile stints as chairman of the disciplinary committee and vice-chairman of the referees’ committee, and has been a member of the broadcasting committee.
Following major restructuring, he is now a member of the professional game board, sitting alongside the likes of Celtic’s Peter Lawwell and Aberdeen’s Duncan Fraser in steering a path ahead for the nation’s favourite game.
And it’s not over yet, as he is continuing in that role despite having bagged silverware for his long service.
“Former SFA president Campbell Ogilvy got the same award for his 25 years’ service after the Germany game. Rod Stewart and Penny were there, as was Alex Ferguson,” said Sandy. “Billy McNeill and his wife were at my table, and there was a table of the Stein family with this being the 30th anniversary of Jock’s death.
“I am proud of my years of service at the SFA and fighting the corner for the Highland League, as well as playing a part in Scottish football, and I hope I have done a good job.”
He has been involved in some notorious cases on the disciplinary front.
Full story in Northern Scot print edition.
