Moyes in frame for Scots job

He’s favourite after Strachan exit

DAVID MOYES is the favourite to succeed Gordon Strachan as Scotland manager. Strachan left his position yesterday after failing to guide his country to the World Cup.

Missing out on a second straight major tournament convinced the Scottish FA not to offer new deals to 60-year-old Strachan or his deputy Mark McGhee.

‘Together we have shared some really magical moments and those memories will live with me for ever,’ said Strachan.

‘Of course, what made those moments special was the unwavering support of our fans. Through highs and lows you have stayed with the team and my biggest regret is not being able to provide the finals tournament you deserve.’

Last night Moyes, who quit as Sunderland boss in May after relegation from the Premier League, was being heavily backed to take charge. Sources claim he would at least be prepared to meet SFA officials. So far, there has been no contact between the parties but some bookmakers have suspended betting on the former Everton and Manchester United boss.

Malky Mackay, who is serving as the SFA performance director after a disastrous spell at Wigan, is thought to be a contender, and earlier this week former England boss Sam Allardyce was being mentioned because of parental links to Scotland. Allardyce would consider another position in international football, but this job may not appeal given the dearth of talent.

That is sure to concern Moyes. The 54-year- old is cautious by nature and conscious, after his experiences at Sunderland, Real Sociedad and United, that he needs to select his next job carefully.

Relegation from the Premier League could harm his chances of landing a decent club job and Moyes might yet conclude that a post as prestigious as Scotland manager is ultimately his best option.

Last year Moyes was asked about the prospect and said: ‘It’s something I’d never say never to in the future. It’s always something which I would definitely keep open.’