NEVER has the phrase better late than never been so appropriate, infuriating or sad.

Let’s be clear about this, football in Britain is a game facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions. One can only fear that we have not yet delved below the surface on this one, either.

Since claims first emerged last month surrounding alleged sexual abuse in England, in particularly accusations levelled at Barry Bennell, the torment of countless others has led to many to call into question their own experiences coming through the ranks at clubs the length and breadth of the country.

It was only matter of time until the spotlight once again shifted north of the border.

The only hope is that the astonishment and disgust generated over the last few weeks kickstarts a major inquest into all levels of not just football, but sport throughout this country.

On Wednesday Partick Thistle released a statement revealing that they had become aware of an allegation made back in 1992 against a physio that worked at Firhill who is now deceased.

They then detailed that the current hierarchy running the club, who were previously unaware of such claims, will cooperate fully with any authority, whether that be Police Scotland or the Scottish Football Association, looking into the matter.

Only last night Motherwell broke cover as well to say that following an internal investigation they have now brought in a forensic accountant to take a closer look at employment records during the 1970s and 1980s.

This pro-active approach from the modern regime at Thistle and Motherwell has to be commended and held up as the example for others to follow. Regardless of what may gone before at all levels of football from grass roots to the top of the senior game.

It should be the duty of all professional clubs in Scotland to do likewise and declare their knowledge what has gone on in the past, even if it reveals nothing. Transparency is the key to getting to the bottom of this problem.

On a global scale football has always frowned at any external body poking their nose in, threatening to get involved with matters that don’t concern them. That’s all well and good, but it’s not as if the game has a good track record of such matters.

If it is going to police itself, it must be visibly and actively doing so, not hiding behind empty statements or silence.

That example has to come from the top down. From Fifa through Uefa into the SFA and trickling down to the clubs themselves, the attention must be focused upon themselves and total transparency must be guaranteed.

The National Police Chief’s Council revealed yesterday that 83 potential suspects have already been identified. You’d not bet against that figure hitting triple figures by this time next week. The dread of that number rising shouldn’t deter those at the heart of all of this coming forward.

As a nation and as a sport we have come a long way in terms of dealing with sexism, racism, sectarianism and discrimination. Why? Because it was the right thing to do.

No fear or self-preservation must enter the heads of those scared to peak into the closet in fear of a skeleton falling out. Instead, those at the top of our game - and our clubs - must show a fraction of the bravery demonstrated by the victims and open the doors to the past and look it boldly in the face.

Whatever they find, everyone will be better off for it. Eventually.