Key People

Fraser Wishart, Chief Executive

Motherwell, Rangers, Hearts, St Mirren and Clydebank were some of the stopping points for man-of-many-clubs Fraser Wishart.

Having served at so many clubs and shared dressing rooms with so many fellow professionals it was perhaps inevitable that Fraser would eventually end up representing player interests.

His services have been much in demand over the past few seasons offering advice and support to players involved in legal and contract disputes. He has also been called upon to offer advice to players facing redundancy.

Fraser Wishart's desire to make sure that footballers receive the maximum protection and representation was one of the driving forces behind the launch of PFA Scotland.

As the organisation's Chief Executive, Fraser is determined that players at every level of the game in Scotland are given every opportunity to succeed in their careers - in the game and out of it.

As a popular radio and TV pundit Fraser Wishart is well-placed to see both sides of every argument. And he hopes to use his knowledge of the football business to put in place structures that will secure the provision of education, employment training and representation of players in Scotland for many years to come.

Tony Higgins, President

Tony Higgins has been involved in professional football for nearly 40 years both as a player and a players' union representative. On the playing side, Tony spent most of his career with Hibernian in the 1970s, in the days when players had no contractual rights even at the end of their contract. It was during that spell that he developed a real interest in the rights of professional footballers.

He became chairman of the players' union at the age of 25, ultimately becoming secretary before moving to FIFPro the World Players' Union where he has special responsibility for politics, education and discrimination issues.

Tony has been instrumental in all the changes to players' contacts domestically and internationally. He was involved in the discussions that brought about Freedom of Movement in 1980 and the Bosman case in 1995.

Now working mainly with FIFPro, Tony is still available to provide advice and assistance to PFA Scotland which is proving invaluable given his international connections and contacts.

Warren Hawke, Commercial

From Wearside to Clydeside best sums up the football journey that brought Warren Hawke to his adopted home in the west of Scotland.

That journey involved spells with Sunderland, Queen of the South and Morton and gave Warren Hawke a perspective on the highs and lows a football career can provide. The low points encouraged him to seek out education and qualifications while still a full-time professional because he was acutely aware of the need to train for the day when the game was over.

That outlook led Warren back to school to learn the alternative disciplines of marketing and business, and that background has enabled him to explore commercial opportunities for the association.

As the driving force behind the revamped PFA Scotland awards dinner and Business Partner programme, Warren has demonstrated a verve and enthusiasm for raising the profile of Scottish footballers

Craig Flannigan, Education

As PFA Scotland's full time Education Coordinator, Craig has been instrumental in driving home the message that education and training off the pitch are as vital as polishing your skills on it.

Craig has been involved for several years now with out of contract players and also young players who are starting out in the game.

Having spent his playing career outside the top-flight of the game, Craig learned the value of training and education early on and has used this experience to influence the young players coming into the game today. His knowledge and experience in Sports Science and Educational initiatives ensures he is an invaluable member of the team and a visionary in all issues of personal development for the members.

Jackie McNamara, Representation

A former team mate of Tony Higgins at Hibs, Jackie McNamara has also spent much of the last 25 years involved with enhancing footballer education and employment.

Jackie, who also played with distinction for Celtic has, unlike the perception of footballers, always taken a keen interest in workplace rights for players - something that began during his playing days.

The passion that was evident at the heart of defence as a player is also evident as Jackie helps to represent players wherever he is needed. Whether that means advising in contract discussions or offering advice at employment events, Jackie McNamara is the sort of wise head any player wants in their corner.