THE former president of the Scottish Football League, Brown McMaster has died after a long battle with cancer.

Despite his time working at Hampden, McMaster was best known for his 20-year association with Partick Thistle where he served as director, vice-chairman and chairman on two separate occasions. He also spent time with Stenhousemuir.

McMaster, a popular figure who was respected and liked throughout the Scottish game, played a huge role in saving Thistle when they were on the verge of going our of business.

A club statement said: "Everyone at Partick Thistle Football Club was saddened to hear that former club chairman, Brown McMaster, passed away last night after a battle with cancer.

"Over an almost 20 year period, Brown not only served as a director and vice-chairman, but was also chairman on two separate occasions. In his first spell at the helm of the club, Brown led Thistle through one of the most difficult times in its history during the Save the Jags campaign.

"Brown was a passionate football man and, in addition to his time at Thistle, spent two and a half years as president of the Scottish Football League.

"The thoughts of everyone at Partick Thistle Football Club are with Brown’s family and friends, especially his wife, Jean, and his children, Scott, Craig, Jill and John."