HAMPDEN has been saved as the home of Scottish football.

The SFA finally announced today the decision to remain at the world famous stadium after the lease runs out in 2020.

The decision comes after negotiations with Queen’s Park and over transferring ownership to the SFA.

The deal means the SFA will now buy Hampden from Scotland’s oldest football club for £5m when the lease runs out.

Queens Park will develop Lesser Hampden to use for its matches.

The SFA rejected a move to Murrayfield after the Scottish Rugby Union made a pitch to snatch the top internationals and cup finals away from Glasgow.

The Evening Times kicked off the Save the Hampden Roar campaign as soon as the possibility of losing the stadium became known last year.

It quickly emerged Hampden had the backing of political and business leaders in Glasgow who warned of significant economic challenges if the stadium was lost.

The impact of a derelict stadium in the south side of Glasgow was raised a s a serious possibility if Queens Park were unable to sustain Hampden without the SFA revenue.

All the governing bodies are based at Hampden along with sports science and physiotherapy facilities and the National football Museum.

SFA chief Executive Ian Maxwell said the SFA would now look to the future and make improvements to Hampden.

He said: “Today is a big day for Scottish football. Hampden Park has been the spiritual home of Scottish football for over 100 years it has been central to our sport’s identity in this country. But today’s decision is about the future, not the past.

“Our mission is to inspire a nation to love the game and having a home that we can call our own is an important part of that. It will enable us to drive investment into the game and give us the best chance to improve football in Scotland.

“While we are now committed to Hampden Park we also recognise that it needs to change. We have heard the fans’ views throughout the process and agree with them that we need to improve access, transport links and the overall experience. We are committed to doing that.”

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the Scottish FA’s decision today to retain Hampden Park as Scotland’s football National Stadium beyond 2020.

Chamber chief executive Stuart Patrick 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.

“But looking beyond that, the economic impact of Hampden Park, through Glasgow’s great passion not only for football but also for the major music events held there is of significant value to the city and to Scotland, measured by tens of millions of pounds but also by reputation.

“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.

“Hampden is more than a stadium – it is a statement of Glasgow’s proud place as one of the world’s top sporting cities.”

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has also welcomed the Scottish FA’s decision.

Chamber chief executive Stuart Patrick 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.

“But looking beyond that, the economic impact of Hampden Park, through Glasgow’s great passion not only for football but also for the major music events held there is of significant value to the city and to Scotland, measured by tens of millions of pounds but also by reputation.

“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.

“Hampden is more than a stadium – it is a statement of Glasgow’s proud place as one of the world’s top sporting cities.”

Fans at last night’s match versus Albania were backing Hampden as the only choice to be made.