Meet the team

As Chief Executive of PFA Scotland Fraser Wishart’s aim is to ensure that football players in Scotland receive the maximum protection and representation at every level of the game.

Furthermore Fraser is determined that these players are provided with every opportunity to succeed in their careers-both in and out of the game.

In recent times, Fraser’s services have been in high demand offering advice and support to players involved in legal and contract disputes. He has also been called upon to offer help to players facing redundancy.

Fraser’s extensive playing career included spells at Motherwell, Rangers, Hearts, St Mirren and Clydebank meaning he has a vast experience of sharing dressing rooms with fellow professionals and is ideally placed to represent player interests.

As PFA Scotland continues to grow, Fraser 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 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. His time spent with the players’ union combined with his playing career mean Tony has been involved in professional football for several years.

Tony spent most of his playing days at Hibernian in the 1970s, a time when players had no contractual rights even at the end of their contracts and it was this that sparked a real interest in the rights of professional football players.

Tony has been instrumental in all the changes to players’ contracts both domestically and internationally - and was involved in the discussions that resulted in the Freedom of Movement in 1980 and the Bosman case in 1995. Although now working with FIFPRO Tony provides invaluable advice and assistance to PFA Scotland which is underpinned by his international connections

Chris Higgins will be a familiar face to many of you from playing against him at some point in his football career. Among the clubs he has turned out for are Clyde, Dunfermline, Queen of the South, Ayr United and East Fife.

Over the years, he has picked up three league winners medals as well as winning the SPFL Trust Trophy in 2013. Chris is very much one of you and understands the stresses and strains of the modern-day footballer. More importantly, having retired from playing, he very much gets the need for players to start planning for life after football as soon as possible. Chris’ focus in his role as PFA Scotland’s Player Services  Manager is helping players with future planning and getting education and training courses in place for players as well as helping with finding employment to run alongside your football or for once you’ve hung your boots up.

Chris is no stranger to having other interests outside his playing career – like many of you, he did a Personal Training course and set himself up as a PT. He has also completed a degree in Developing Athletes as well as Applied Management in Football course that PFA Scotland currently offer members. He is incredibly passionate about helping players plan for the future so if you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch with him.

You can contact Chris on 07719 902438 or email chris@pfascotland.co.uk.

Craig Beattie joins us at PFA Scotland after a long professional playing career. He started as a 16-year-old at Celtic and played for numerous clubs along the way such as West Bromwich Albion, Swansea City and Heart of Midlothian.

He then began playing part time with spells in the Scottish lower leagues with Ayr United, Stirling Albion, Edinburgh City and most recently Elgin City before retiring. Craig accrued many honours both in Scotland and in England during an impressive career including winning leagues, cups and getting promoted to the EPL via the playoffs with Swansea City. He is also part of a privileged number of footballers who have been fortunate enough to represent their country at international level.

When Craig made the move to part-time football he began working in residential child care supporting some of the UK’s most vulnerable children.

Having been a Club Rep in the past he understands how crucial it is that players have a strong voice through their union and the importance of what PFA Scotland offer its members.

You can contact Craig on 07923220546 or cbeattie@pfascotland.co.uk

Heather Richards joins us at PFA Scotland after six years working within employability in the third sector. Heather has gained great experience supporting individuals to move into education and employment and has delivered SQA accredited qualifications and employability workshops within schools and community settings.

Heather played within the SWPL 1 for many years with both Celtic and Hibs. During the period 2014-2015 Heather was capped with the Women’s National Team receiving four caps.

Heather has a good understanding of combining education and playing at an elite level through her time at the National Performance Centre.

Over the last 3 years Heather has coached within the Girl’s youth set up and helped support the next generation’s progress in their career.

Heather is eager to support individuals within the Women’s and Youth game to plan for their future after or alongside playing using her own experience.

You can contact Heather on 07935714696 or heather@pfascotland.co.uk