IAN Maxwell may be known as a nice guy, but Mike Mulraney says that the new chief executive of the SFA is also capable of making hard decisions.

Mulraney was involved in the interview process to find the person who will lead the game’s governing body, and while he admits to being impressed by Maxwell’s personable nature, it was the fact that he marries that to a steely determination that tipped the scales in his favour.

“He came across very well at interview,” Mulraney said. “Being likeable doesn’t get you the job as CEO of the SFA, but it’s certainly a useful asset to have when you have to get difficult decisions carried forward and taken through.

“It’s definitely an asset that he is the type of character who while perfectly capable of making hard decisions and implementing them, he’s also a chap who seems to be universally respected and liked.”

Mulraney says that Maxwell’s background in the Partick Thistle boardroom as well as on the board of the SPFL means that he will be keenly attuned to any issues that the 42 professional clubs may be having.

“It’s a huge advantage for him to know if there are problems, where they are, and to understand the challenges that the membership have at all levels,” he said. “It is much easier to find a solution to a problem if you have got an instant empathy to what that problem means.”

Maxwell has been a critic of the SFA’s flagship Project Brave initiative, and Mulraney says that the direction of the performance strategy will be one of many things on his agenda.

“The role of CEO of the SFA is a massive role, and I’m sure the implementation of all the projects – particularly the bigger ones – will be firmly on his desk,” he said.

“We’ve got Malky Mackay, a very capable man, involved, and I’m sure that Ian and the rest of the team will partner together to get the best possible outcome on Project Brave.”