STEWART PATERSON

Political Correspondent

KEEPING the home of Scottish football at Hampden in Glasgow has been backed as the most popular option in a survey of fans.

The Scottish Football Supporters Association asked fans what their preference is for the home matches of the national team and for the annual domestic cup finals.

Of the almost 3000 fans who responded 41% said their preference was for either a new Hampden or retain the current Hampden.

More backed staying at Hampden in some capacity that supported the option of moving to Murrayfield, the home of Scottish rugby which was favoured by 34%.

the other option, playing at club grounds around the country but most likely Celtic Park and Ibrox for bigger games was backed by 25%.

The report’s author Dr David Stewart, said the findings suggest there was a”strong desire” for change.

However more people wanted Hampden, some with a new stadium oin the current site, than wnated to switch to Murrayfield.

The SFA meets today to discuss a report on the four options it is investigating.

Staying at Hampden, Moving matches to Murrayfield or moving to play at Celtic Park or Ibrox Stadium.

The survey did not mirror the four options, instead it offered play at club grounds without specifying which.

last week the Evening Times reported how the City Council was ready to consider what support it could offer to enable the SFA to stay at Hampden.

However, it stated that the responsibilyt for developing a viable vision for the stadium had to come from the SFA and that any public funds would not come at the expense of the priorities of the people of Glasgow.

the survey, carried out in November found 97% of the respondents said fans should have a say in the final decision.

It also asked fans about their opinion on the experience of the stadium while attending a match.

It found the atmosphere at internationals was bad/very bad for 40%, good/very good for 24 and 36% were neutral.

Teh figures were similar for cup finals and semi-finals.

Facilites and amenities were not viewed favourably by the majority of respondents. On parking 82% said it was bad/very bad and 64% said the same about public transport to the venue.

Overall the venue was rated bad very bad by 56% good/very good by 13% and 51% were neutral.

No analysis or comment was sought about the alternative venues being considered by the SFA.

The Evening Times has launched the Save the Hampden Roar campaign, backed by cross party politicians and business leaders in the city who want to see Hampden continue to be the home of Scottish Football.

SNP MSP James Dornan whose Cathcart constituency includes the stadium and Labour councillor for Langside back Hampden remaining the base for the SFA after 2020.