Willie Collum says head of referees role was 'too good to turn down' as he aims to improve standard

Willie Collum has said the chance to become Scotland’s new head of referees was too good to refuse as he aims to improve the standard of officiating throughout the country.

The former whistler will no longer be on the pitch as he replaces the outgoing Crawford Allan in the SFA role for the upcoming season.

And he insists he will “do everything in his power” to drive forward the standard of refereeing in Scottish football.

Speaking to STV Sport he said: “I don’t think I was in the position were I was going to stop, I had no intentions to retire, however this opportunity came up and it was too good an opportunity.

“I have spent the last 31 years of my life on the pitch and I am really passionate about refereeing, it is my passion, it is my love, I love football and I decided that when this opportunity came up it too good to pass up.

“I think I can bring something to this role, I have had criticisms at times as a referee, some deserved, some not so much, but I don’t think anyone would ever deny that I was passionate, had a lot of energy about refereeing and was committed, and I will bring those same qualities to this role.

“I will do everything in my power to drive forward Scottish refereeing at every level of the game.”

And while he insists that some criticisms have been justified while others haven’t, he knows there is room for improvement and that is what he is striving to achieve and is looking to build a good relationship with managers throughout the leagues who he has invited to give their input.

Among a raft of new changes for next season he revealed that Scottish football will follow on from Euro 2024’s lead with only captains being allowed to discuss contentious decisions with the referee.

He said: “People are right to criticise, there has been some criticisms that have been absolutely justified, I sometimes think that there have been criticisms that haven’t been justified, but we know there is room for improvement and the top level referees in this country know there is room for improvement and we will strive to make these improvements this season.

“We are working around the clock to make everything better as much as possible.

“I want to work closely with the managers, I spoke to all the managers early when I took up this role and I told them that their voice will be heard, I want to give them avenues to talk to us and to give their opinions on incidents and I think they’ve been given that opportunity so far under my leadership and I hope that will continue.

“I have built up a respectful, meaningful dialogue with them in a short space of time and I would encourage them to keep that dialogue open, I think if managers know they have a voice they will be less likely to criticise referees and will work alongside us to try and improve the game.”

After the new year’s Old Firm game last season Rangers requested that he shouldn’t officiate any more of their games.

It came after Collum, who was working on VAR, didn’t call the referee over to have a look at a potential handball incident by Alistair Johnston.

The request was knocked back and the new head of referees took charge of the final Glasgow derby of the season at Celtic Park in what will be his last time being involved in the fixture as he takes up his new role.

He insists there is no hard feelings over that request back in January and put it down to the passion of the game as he revealed recent discussions with Philippe Clement.

He said: “It is difficult whenever there is criticism on a personal level, however I also understand the passion involved in football and that people say things and make decisions, that’s football and in some senses it’s difficult to change that.

“But I want to work with every club regardless of anything in the past, any comments or anything that’s been said, I’m here for everyone in Scottish football and work alongside every single person.

“The relationship (with Rangers) is very positive, I have no qualms, I have had some very good discussions with the Rangers manager when he came to a Premiership managers meeting and had some very good ideas and some ideas that we will definitely embrace and take forward.”