Willie Collum replacing Crawford Allan is a move that suits the Scottish FA

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | Last updated 5/15/24

Willie Collum has today been appointed as the new Head of Referee Operations in Scotland. The 45 year old will hang up his whistle after a 30 year career at the end of this season when he takes over from Crawford Allan.

Such an appointment just further proves how poor our game is when it comes to officials. It also shows that it’s still jobs for the boys as Willie is one of the clique. By that I mean he’s part of the Lanarkshire cartel of referees. Although he’s a rarity in that he’s a devout Roman Catholic so maybe him landing the top job will come as a surprise to some, or even an outrage to others.

Willie Collum has had quite the career at the top level. He’s never been far from controversy, and with good reason as some of his decision making like most of his colleagues has been very poor to say the least.

In fact it wouldn’t be wrong to suggest he’s the worst of a bad bunch. He’s a bad communicator, and more times than not he made the wrong decisions, especially in the big games. So one can only imagine how he deals with his new role.

The Rangers fans will most likely say he’s been put there as he ‘favours’ Celtic, but nothing could be further from the truth. Collum has been regarded by many supporters across Scottish football as an incompetent referee, and now he’s in the top job. His appointment is a baffling one to say the least but at least it lets the Scottish FA keep it all in house.

The idea of a top former referee from south of the border coming in with his own ideas on how refereeing should be conducted would have caused a sleepless night or two for the top brass at the Scottish FA. Their dirty little secrets remain safe with Willie in charge. He’s hardly going to rock the boat.

This article first appeared on The Celtic Star and was syndicated with permission.

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