THE SFA decision to retain Hampden for the biggest games in Scottish football has been welcomed by those who backed the campaign to save the stadium.

Businesses, politicians and the current owners of the stadium all said it was the right choice and now the SFA had to look to making the stadium one that fans the length and breadth of Scotland can be proud of.

Glasgow City Council had been involved in discussions with Hampden Park Limited who had put forward plans for improvements.

Council leader Susan Aitken also said if plans for a fan zone, with the necessary community engagement, would be welcomed and considered.

SFA, Chief Executive, Ian Maxwell said he would be seeking talks with Ms Aitken on possible collaboration on improvements.

Ms Aitken said: “The SFA are now Hampden’s custodians and I trust that, working in partnership with the public and private sector and the local community, they can build and deliver that vision.

“Now that the decision has been made, we need to have a proper discussion in our community and within the game about a vision for our national stadium for the next decade, and the decade after that, indeed the next 150 years.”

She said she is willing to talk about bringing about the improvements needed.

Ms Aitken added: “No-one is arguing Hampden is perfect and valid criticisms have been made around issues of accessibility and fan experience. But these are far from insurmountable and Glasgow City Council is ready and willing to work with the SFA and other partners to address these.

“What I want to talk about now is how Hampden really can build on its potential as a city asset, a national asset, and a catalyst for change that it has the capacity to be.”

Hampden Park Limited who will cease to be the stadium owners in 2020 had put forward plans with architects Keppie to redesign the stadium to make to better for fans

A spokesman for HPL said: “We are delighted that Hampden Park will remain the Home of Scottish Football after an extensive bid process led by the Board of the Scottish FA.

WWe received significant backing from supporters, players and managers past and present, the media, the Glasgow business community and figures from across Scottish society – again we thank them all for their important letters and gestures of support.

“Significant investment is already being committed to prepare the stadium for UEFA EURO 2020 and this decision gives us the opportunity to build on that to ensure Hampden Park is a national stadium which future generations can be proud of.”

Mr Maxwell said the HPL and Keppie plans would be part of the SFA’s consideration for how to improve Hampden.

HE said: “They have done a lot of work giving a flavour of what could be achieved.”

The MP for Glasgow South which includes Hampden said the deal between the SFA and Queen’s Park must work for everyone.

Stewart McDonald SNP MP for Glasgow South said: “We must now ensure this agreement benefits all parties involved and the local community, has the ambition to better our city’s sporting reputation even more, improves fan experience and secures a thriving future for Scotland’s most historic club, Queen’s Park.

“It is therefore imperative that the SFA work closely with all involved to ensure both Queen’s Park and Hampden Park itself can look forward to the next chapter in footballing history.”

The SFA said that Queen’s Park would now have money to develop Lesser Hampden. Mr Maxwell said the club will own the smaller stadium outright and it will be their registered ground.

Business leaders warned of the devastating consequences if the decision went against Hampden with millions of pounds lost to the city.

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the SFA’s decision.

He said: “This is marvellous news for Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

“I am in no doubt that the Scottish FA has made the right decision for the future of Scottish football.

“There will be countless businesses, bars, cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area whose prosperity and jobs depend on Hampden’s presence who will be celebrating today.”