Former Hibs chairman Petrie dies aged 69

Former Hibernian chairman and Scottish FA president Rod Petrie has died from cancer at the age of 69.

His death comes just a few months after the passing of former Hibs owner Sir Tom Farmer, with whom Petrie had a long working relationship.

During a 28-year association with the Edinburgh club, he oversaw the redevelopment of Easter Road stadium and established the training complex. A 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup ended in 2016 but there was also the pain of two relegations.

He was a key player in the in the formation of the Scottish Premier League in 1998 and, during his time at the SFA, he was at central to talks over the purchase of Hampden Park and had to navigate the Covid crisis.

A chartered accountant, Petrie advised Farmer during the rescue of Hibs from receivership in 1991 and was invited to join the board five years later.

He became chairman in 2004 and developed a reputation as a tough negotiator over the sales of talents such as Scott Brown, Steven Fletcher, Garry O'Connor, Steven Whittaker and Kevin Thomson.

He stepped down in 2019 following Ron Gordon's takeover after playing a role in the negotiations to sell Farmer's stake to the American.

In that same year he took on the SFA presidency following spells as first and second vice-president, having served on the governing body's committees since 1998.

"I have been fortunate enough to have shared many a boardroom with Rod in our time as office bearers and directors," said current SFA president Mike Mulraney, who succeeded Petrie in 2023.

"He brought passion to every debate and, as many a player and fellow chair has experienced over the years, he was a shrewd and unremitting negotiator.

"In that regard, it was always easier having Rod on your team. None more so than during the Covid-19 pandemic when, even whilst quietly contending with ill health, he remained steadfast in our collective objective to secure the survival of all member clubs during an unprecedented period of uncertainty.

"Rod was also great company, someone with a devilish sense of humour who cared passionately about the game. He will be missed by all of us."