McCLAIR QUITS

SFA performance director steps down after just 13 months

BRIAN McCLAIR has expressed his disappointment that he could not make a significant contribution to shaping Scottish football after he quit his position as Performance Director just 13 months into the job.

The former head of the Manchester United youth system replaced Mark Wotte at Hampden last year and presented the Scottish FA’s new vision for the future of our game in January. But the search begins for the next person to fill the key role in a bid to help young players progress through the ranks.

“I can confirm that I will leave my position as Performance Director,” McClair said. “I am deeply disappointed that I couldn’t make a significant difference, but I would like to thank my staff for their help and the board for the opportunity.

“I would also like to wish my successor all the best in the future to develop the environment for the young talent that Scotland deserves.”

The SFA have reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the required changes to improve Scotland’s fortunes on the international stage, while chief executive Stewart Regan expressed his gratitude to McClair for his efforts.

“I would like to thank Brian for his time as Performance Director,” Regan said. “I am disapand pointed we have parted company after a year, but the complexities of the role cannot be overestimated. While his experience of developing talent at Manchester United was a major attribute, being Performance Director requires a different style of leadership and focus.

“He found himself spending more time lobbying and presenting in the boardroom. It became apparent this was neither a comfortable nor tenable situation in the long term.”