New Glasgow rugby chief executive David Jordan has been in his job for ''six hectic weeks'' and on the eve of the start of one of the most testing seasons for his new charges, with games against the likes of Wasps looming, he calls for the Glasgow district to have more autonomy from the SRU.

Jordan also argues that the existing season structure is the best for the European challenge and that it is within his plans to link with clubs to form a shopping list of players who could be brought to the city.

The Labour party came under scrutiny after its period in government reached 100 days, but we afford Jordan less than that after his arrival at the head of Glasgow rugby. There is now an office, a receptionist, and a spiritual home called Scotstoun.

The pitch will be two metres narrower than optimum, but who cares? ''Most of my time, to be honest, has been spent with operational matters such as organising and making sure that Scotstoun is ready for the big games, and it will be,'' says Jordan. ''Once we get into the European season as such, I want to start concentrating on the strategic objectives of Glasgow rugby. Those are long- term and to be worked in partnership with the clubs.''

But to do that, he argues, Glasgow needs more autonomy from the SRU to prepare properly. ''I intend to work closely with the clubs to identify talent to bring into the city,'' he says. ''I want to get together with the clubs and form a shopping list of players, for example exiles, who would strengthen Glasgow rugby.

''We want to promote Glasgow rugby and ensure more competitive clubs are at the top level. We will target players together with clubs and offer them packages. That is to happen more next year because the registration period for players for this year has passed. But I hope that the district can get more autonomy from the SRU.''

At present, all players' contracts are negotiated centrally with the SRU. ''I hope that the district will be able to negotiate directly with players, for if we wish to bring in top players, and use the combined power of clubs and districts to do that, then we need to have more say in the matter,'' says Jordan. ''Whatever we do, we have to do it hand in hand with the clubs in our district.''

Your average punter feels we are stumbling into this season, with clubs relegated to mere passers-by as the districts go into Europe. But the new Glasgow chief thinks that the season is structured correctly. ''I believe in a three-tier system,'' he says. '' I believe in a distinct club, district and international season with minimal overlap. Unless the district gets the chance to prepare the players for the demands of the season then they will not be operating as best they can. I do not think that league games should be taking place when the district is in Europe.''

That won't be much of a consolation for clubs who don't feel part of it, but it is an indication that the districts are determined to remain the dominant force in domestic rugby for some considerable time and won't give up their position without a fight.

There will be battles ahead, but Jordan says he wishes to meet all the clubs in the district as soon as is practicable to outline his wishes, but also to assure them that he is with them rather than against.

Whether it's business, or sport, preparation is the key to success and those of you who have driven along Great Western Road of a morning will have seen bodies thumping into tackle bags at Hughenden. Those bodies, The Herald can confirm, belong to the Glasgow players who, like any footballer of the present day, now find themselves as professionals going to their work.

According to the new chief they have responded well. ''Yes, I think the players understand what is expected of them and they have enjoyed the challenge of full time rugby,'' says Jordan. ''After the poor start against London Scottish they were buoyed by the win over West Hartlepool at the weekend and are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.

''Our two Cook Island players, Tommy Hayes and Mike Beckham, created a very good impression and I think the players around them respect them. All in all, I think we go into Europe with confidence. Yes, it's been a hectic six weeks.''