MOYES IN THE FRAME
He’s keen to take over from Strachan
DAVID MOYES was last night confirmed as favourite to be the next Scotland boss after Gordon Strachan stepped down.
Strachan and assistant Mark McGhee will be replaced after Scotland, who have not qualified for the finals of a major tournament since 1998, failed to reach next summer’s World Cup in Russia. Former Everton and Manchester United manager Moyes said he would welcome the chance to talk to SFA bosses about the job. Moyes has been out of football since he left Sunderland at the end of last season. But he is also wanted in Major League Soccer with Colorado Rapids one of the clubs who have him on their radar. Ex-boss Alex McLeish has also declared his interest over a Scotland return while Derek McInnes said he is ® happy at Aberdeen but is keen to get the chance to manage his country.
SFA’s technical director Malky Mackay and former Wolves boss Paul Lambert are also high in the betting along with former Chelsea defence coach Steve Clarke, who is favourite to land the Kilmarnock job.
Former Celtic boss Strachan took over as Scotland boss in January 2013, winning 19 and losing 12 of his 40 games in charge.
SFA chief executive Stewart Regan said: “After almost five years the Board felt it was time for a new direction to prepare for the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign and also the forthcoming UEFA Nations League.” But his departure sparked dismay among his senior players. Captain Scott Brown posted: “Sad sad sad day. We all had faith in Gordon and believed in making the Euros. 14 points out of 18 in 2017 momentum was on our side.” Strachan (below) said: “I said on my first day as Scotland manager it was the proudest moment of my career and that I wanted to put a smile back on the nation’s face again. “I share the profound disappointment at missing out on the play-offs, especially having worked so hard to fight our way back into contention. “The players should receive immense credit for that resilience in coming back from a difficult start and I thank every player who has come in to represent their country.” St Johnstone v Rangers .................................... William Hill Scottish Cup 2nd rd: BASKETBALL Championship: BBL Cup 1st rd: BBL CRICKET 1st ODI – Dubai: 3rd T20 International – Hyderabad: European Champions Cup Pool 1: European Challenge Cup Pool 2: British & Irish Cup Pool 3: SPEEDWAY SGB Championship: Championship KO Cup semi-final, 2nd leg: National League KO Cup semi-final, 1st leg: Colin Hill Memorial: ACROSS: DOWN: