The man who led England’s failed bid to host this year’s Fifa World Cup has been hired to head up expansion at Scottish five-a-side football venue operator Goals Soccer Centres.
East Kilbride-based Goals said yesterday it had appointed Andy Anson as its new chief executive after a “rigorous and extensive” search.
Mr Anson’s spell as CEO for England’s World Cup bid ended bitterly. Only two of Fifa’s 22-man committee voted for England despite big-hitters such as Prince William, David Cameron and David Beckham helping the £15million campaign to bring the tournament to the UK.
Russia went on to win the right to host the event, which kicks off in June.
Mr Anson has also had senior roles at the Walt Disney Company, Channel 4 and English Premier League football club Manchester United.
Goals, whose 49 venues include one just off Great Southern Road in Aberdeen, said its new boss would be at the helm from April 23.
The last CEO, Keith Rogers, transferred to a new role heading up business in the US, where Goals has three venues in California.
Nick Basing has stepped down as chairman, with senior independent director Michael Bolingbroke taking over on an interim basis. Mr Basing will now focus on his role as chairman of Goals’ joint-venture with City Football Group.