Former Scottish FA secretary Ernie Walker dies
Last updated on .From the section Scotland
Former Scottish Football Association secretary Ernie Walker has died at the age of 83 after a long illness.
Walker went to five consecutive World Cup finals between 1974 and 1990, then a record for a non-host or previous winner of the tournament.
"Ernie was renowned throughout the game as a first-class administrator and a first-class gentleman," said SFA president George Peat.
"Ernie was a visionary who cared deeply about the national game."
Walker succeeded Willie Allan as secretary in 1977, having previously served as assistant.
He also served as chairman of Uefa's Stadia Committee for more than a decade, co-authoring reference books in this area.
"On behalf of the Scottish FA I would like to convey my condolences to the Walker family," added Peat.
"It is a tragedy that we have lost Ernie and his successor, Jim Farry, in recent months; two men who presided over a golden era for Scottish football and the national team.
"Ernie was renowned for his negotiation skills and his impact on the Scottish FA and the game in this country continues to be felt."
