HAMILTON Accies supremo Les Gray today hailed David Longmuir's six-year reign as SFL chief executive.

The former Hampden boss left his post yesterday after he lost out in the two-way battle to head up the new SPFL, with the SPL's Neil Doncaster preferred for the role.

Longmuir was a largely-popular figure among the SFL's member clubs during his six-year tenure, however he was latterly accused of pandering to the Old Firm over a proposal to introduce 'colt' Rangers and Celtic teams into a new league set-up.

But New Douglas Park chairman Gray has played down the rift, claiming he will be remembered for the money he brought into the Scottish game.

He said: "I think the history books will reflect favourably on what David Longmuir has achieved during his six years as chief executive with the SFL.

"I believe the way in which he was able to attract some very strong sponsorship for the organisation means David is due a lot of credit.

"The Irn-Bru deal in particular was vital for the SFL and its clubs. That wasn't the only deal either.

"Football can be cruel in that you don't get to say thank you or goodbye to people, but I'd like to thank David for everything he did for the SFL.

"I would like to think there are a good few other chairman of former SFL clubs that would echo my thanks and appreciation of everything he did for the clubs."

The new SPFL was finally ratified by Scottish football's 42 senior clubs following a torturous round of talks at Hampden last month.

The new set-up sees the current 12-10-10-10 structure remain, under one organisation, with the introduction of play-offs and a new financial redistribution model.

The organisation's board was also confirmed last week and will comprise of Gray, Duncan Fraser (Aberdeen), Eric Riley (Celtic), Stephen Thompson (Dundee United), Mike Mulraney (Alloa) and Bill Darroch (Stenhousemuir).

For his part Gray says it is time to look forward to Scottish football's brave new world.

He said: "I believe the change is for the good of the game and it will represent exciting times for the Scottish game, changes that needed to be made for the greater good, and changes that we must embrace in a positive fashion.

"In particular I think the redistribution of wealth and the introduction of play-offs from the Championship and Premiership will really inject fresh excitement into the game at the top level. It is very much time to look forward. "