Scottish FA appoint ex-Rangers man into 'critical role' following departure from Premier League club

Craig Mulholland has been appointed as the Scottish Football Association’s chief football officer after leaving Nottingham Forest.

Taking on a role vacated by Andy Gould, who recently left to join FIFA, former Rangers academy director Mulholland will be responsible for “shaping and delivering the vision for football development and performance across Scotland”.

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “We’re delighted to have Craig on board. He was the outstanding candidate from a thorough process.

Craig Mulholland has been appointed the new chief football officer of the Scottish Football Association. | SNS Group

“This is a critical role within the Scottish FA – and Scottish football in general – so we wanted to make sure that we took our time to find the right individual who can help drive improvements across the board.

“Craig comes highly recommended to us from his position as head of football development and talent management at Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League, but we’re equally enthused by his varied experiences in Scottish football.”

Mulholland added: “I am delighted to be joining the Scottish FA at a critical time for the game in our country, which I care passionately about.

“We have the World Cup to look forward to, and that excitement brings the ideal opportunity to implement positive change throughout all areas of our game, building on the many strengths we have as a nation.

“I have loved my time working in the Premier League, where every day you are exposed to the world’s best players and coaches, but when I heard the desire and willingness from Mike (Mulraney), as President, and Ian, as CEO, to really implement an exciting period of growth and change here in Scotland, it was something I was excited about, delighted to accept, and privileged to be asked to lead.”