Smith steps down from SFA

Gordon Smith has dramatically resigned as Scottish Football Association chief executive, Press Association Sport understands.

Former Rangers striker Smith, 55, stepped down after less than three years in the role.

He succeeded David Taylor in the summer of 2007, before which he was a well-known pundit, as well as owning a players' agency.

The SFA confirmed Smith's resignation in a statement, which read: "The Scottish FA can confirm that Gordon Smith has resigned from his post as chief executive.

"A further statement will be issued on Tuesday."

Smith's appointment three years ago was seen as a positive step by those who felt ex-players should have more of a say in the way the game is run.

His biggest achievements include helping get the European Championship finals expanded from 16 to 24 teams, as well as being a vocal campaigner against diving.

But he was unable to convince FIFA to expand the use of technology to assist referees.

He was also prone to the odd gaffe and came under fire for the way the 'Boozegate' saga was handled last year, when Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor were hit with lifetime bans from the Scotland squad before seeing them lifted under Levein.