Troubled times for Regan as referees go on strike

With Yorkshire Cricket Club millions of pounds in debt, a team which many experts predicted would be relegated from the County Championship and every decision – from what Test match to host to the new pavillion – splitting opinion inside and out of Headinley Carnegie. Life was never easy for Regan.

But after a few short months in charge north of the border and Regan finds himself with a hornets nest to deal with after Scotland's referees went on strike claiming they are fed up with the constant abuse.

Scotland's category one officials are not only worried about constant and increasing criticism they have been subject to, but also growing fears that one of them would come under physical attack.

Regan, in the midst of drawing up plans to overhaul the SFA's disciplinary procedures, now finds himself fire-fighting on another front.

He vowed to find a resolution to avert this weekend's action although he is pressing ahead with plans to find replacements lest the strike goes ahead, although last night Norwegian and Icelandic officials announced they would refuse to break the picket line.

However, Regan believes his plans to revamp the SFA will have to be put on hold until the referees' dispute is settled.

He said: "I am in discussions with the Scottish Senior Football Referees' Association and share their view that recent public comments have not been helpful.

"I have been astonished by the unhealthy level of interest in elements of football in this country that ought to be peripheral. I have made a commitment to reviewing certain aspects of the Scottish FA's internal operations and have been trying to finalise initiatives.

"The raft of ongoing issues played out in the media will only delay this process and I believe there is a responsibility on all of us to try to move forward and create a more positive climate.

"In the meantime, I reiterate my support to the referees in this country, who provide a fantastic service in very difficult – and now seemingly impossible – circumstances."

Oh how Regan must wish for a balmy sunny afternoon at Headingley.