GONE! IN 30 MINUTES
SFA board quick to make decision to axe Strachan
THE SFA board took just half an hour to decide Gordon Strachan’s five-year reign as Scotland manager was over.
Days of speculation ended with a statement confirming Strachan was paying the price for failure to reach a World Cup play-off with his job.
Last November, the eight-man SFA board were split over the manager’s future. Sportsmail understands that, this time, a quick decision was almost unanimous.
Expressing ‘profound disappointment’ at the end of his five-year tenure, Strachan’s contract will not be renewed when it expires
at the end of next month. Assistant manager Mark McGhee will also leave his post. SFA chief executive Stewart Regan will explain the reasons for the SFA’s decision today and outline the process by which the governing body will seek a replacement. Technical director Malky Mackay is likely to take the team for a friendly at Pittodrie on November 9. Holland and Norway are understood to be potential opponents. In an SFA statement, Strachan said: ‘I said on my first day as Scotland manager that 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 would like to thank each and every player who has come in to represent their country. ‘Together we have shared some really magical moments and those memories will live with me forever. ‘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. ‘I would like to thank the board, the backroom staff and everyone at the Scottish FA for the help and support they have given me as national coach. It has been a real privilege.’ Mackay and former Manchester United boss David Moyes lead the list of those jockeying to become the next Scotland manager. Former boss Alex McLeish says he would ‘seriously consider’ a call while the governing body will also consider candidates ranging from Northern Ireland’s Michael O’Neill to Norway boss Lars Lagerback. Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes is another who would gather popular support, but last night he said: ‘My focus is on Aberdeen. Like most, when you start out as a player or manager, I think playing for or managing your country would be very high on the agenda. ‘I am reluctant to talk about anything other than managing Aberdeen.’ With no competitive internationals until the League of Nations qualifiers in 11 months, the SFA will take their time over the next manager. ‘On behalf of the board I would like to thank Gordon for his excellent service to the national team,’ said Regan. Strachan’s departure is likely to herald the end of the road for Scott Brown, with Darren Fletcher also considering his future. The Celtic captain retired from international football last August before reversing his decision two months later as a favour to his former Parkhead manager. In a message on social media Brown clearly disagreed with the SFA decision, writing: ‘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.’ His views were echoed by club and country team-mate Leigh Griffiths, who added: ‘Sad day, seeing the man who gave me my full Scotland debut leave. ‘Not a better man for the job in my eyes and I’m sure if he had stayed, he’d have taken us to the Euros in 2020.’