SPL chief not involved in TV deal

Doncaster believes he can help the SPL recover from the economic recession

The new chief executive of the Scottish Premier League Neil Doncaster will have no input in negotiations for any proposed live television deal.

But the 39-year-old, who accepted some of the blame for Norwich City's relegation to League One, is now focused on the challenge in Scotland.

"Lex Gold and the board are dealing with the TV deal," said Doncaster.

"It's the eleventh hour and I'm coming in late, so it's important they have a free hand to bring it to a conclusion."

Englishman Doncaster also sat on the boards of both the Football Association and Football League but was running affairs at Carrow Road when Norwich were relegated from the Championship to League One.

The SPL has a huge standing within Europe, and part of my challenge will be to do what I can to improve that Neil Doncaster

"I was privileged to be given the opportunity at Norwich City," said Doncaster.

"However, following relegation, it was time to move on.

"Norwich is a club that shouldn't be in League One, but it happened on my watch. So, as a point of principle, I think it was important to make the move and step down.

"It was the right thing to do."

Doncaster was appointed after the SPL sub-committee of executive chairman Lex Gold, Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie and Rangers chief executive Martin Bain carried out a recruitment process over the past six months.

He feels he has the relevant skills to help guide Scottish football out of the recession and believes the collapse of the Setanta deal need not spell disaster for top-flight clubs.

He was a year into his eight-year tenure at Norwich when ITV Digital infamously went bust back in 2002.

Recalling the troubles at Carrow Road, he said: "It was a difficult time but the clubs got through it at that time and I think they're stronger for it.

"If I were concerned about the prospects of the SPL, I wouldn't be here.

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"I'm not concerned; I'm very excited about the prospects and the challenges ahead.

"I have an understanding of all the idiosyncrasies of football," said Doncaster.

"It's a difficult time for everyone with the credit crunch, but the SPL is an exciting place to be.

"It has a huge standing within Europe and part of my challenge will be to do what I can to improve that.

"I know what clubs will be going through - it's not just a football issue, it's an issue that affects everyone.

"The SPL has a huge standing within Europe and part of my challenge will be to do what I can to improve that."