OLD fashioned managers resistant to modern coaching techniques and players who won't put the hours in on the training field are holding Scottish football back, according to a report by academics at Stirling University.

As a result, the game in Scotland faces an existential threat similar to that of climate change, the study says.

Its authors warn Scottish football's "hard man" culture, combined with a resistance to change from senior players means the game is rooted in the last century, with potentially apocalyptic results.

Unless attitudes change revenues will drop, clubs may be forced out of business and the national team will continue to suffer, the report argues.

In recent decades Scottish managers, such as Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish, enjoyed huge success, winning titles in England and Europe.

The study found players and coaches are resistant to modern training methodologies, and the kind of intensive performance-based approaches exemplified by European style coaches, so much so that clubs told researchers they don't even bother to try. "There was a hotchpotch of excuses presented, including lack of finance, few support staff and players who were resistant to having their weekly routine altered or putting extra work in," the report says.

The study found clubs were wary of trying new methods in case they didn't work in Scotland and supporters turned against them.

Dr Andrew Kirkland, of the University's Sport Department, said: "I do think that the hard man culture is alive and kicking in Scottish football. Coaches who are receptive to change or who think a little bit differently may find it difficult or impossible to get players, particularly senior ones on board."

Alex Smith, of the League Managers' Association disputed this. "Scottish football has changed completely since I came into it 30 or 40 years ago," he said.