Derek Dougan - Chairman

Former Irish international footballer whose highly successful playing career spanned over twenty years at clubs that included Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, Peterborough United, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

His tenure as Chairman of the professional footballers union, the PFA, remains the longest ever in the 95 year history of the association. Many of the rights, provisions and entitlements that were introduced during his term of office are still enjoyed by today's professional players.

Affectionately known as 'The Doog', he has worked extensively in television and radio, been a newspaper columnist, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

In recent years he has dedicated his time and efforts to developing a representative body for former professional footballers and other former professionals in all sports.


Neil Rioch Chief Executive

Former professional footballer whose playing career between 1966 and 1978 was spent at clubs that included Luton Town, Aston Villa, Plymouth Argyle and Portland, Oregon in the USA.

Following his retirement from professional football, he developed a very successful career in sales and management, achieving chief executive and director status with national companies. Since 1996, he has been managing director of his own business that comprises four limited companies engaged in Event Management, Marketing, Consultancy & Project Management and Overseas Property investment.

He created the Aston Villa Former Players Association in 1996, providing opportunities for former players to participate in sporting and social activities whilst raising funds for charities and deserving causes. He has developed strong links with many national companies that provide an exclusive range of benefits to a membership that now exceeds 300.

In recent years many other clubs have sought his assistance and guidance for the formation of similar associations.