STAND BY ME
I’m the best man to lead us to Wembley, insists Strachan
GORDON STRACHAN last night declared himself the best man for the task of leading Scotland into Wembley battle next month as he confirmed his intention to stay on as manager.
Strachan’s position was the subject of speculation from the moment the final whistle blew on Tuesday to call a halt to a horrible 3-0 defeat to Slovakia.
He refused to be drawn on his future in the immediate aftermath but, following a brief period of consideration, Strachan is focused on finding the result to turn World Cup fortunes around.
The national team boss is convinced that can happen in London against Group F leaders England and their caretaker manager Gareth Southgate on November 11.
A positive outcome would mark a momentum shift after a dismal doubleheader left Scotland in fourth place, three points adrift of the Auld Enemy and behind Lithuania and Slovenia.
A shock success would likely convince Strachan, with a four-month break until Slovenia visit Hampden in March, that his dream of taking Scotland to a major finals is achievable.
But for now, Strachan said: ‘I think people will make decisions later on. At the moment, I’m really looking forward to it.
‘And I am the best man to go down there, with the group of lads that I have got, and go and get a result.’
Strachan stressed that he will fully appreciate the ‘win or bust’ nature of the build-up to the tie. However, he believes that any positive result will keep Scotland in the reckoning for Russia.
‘Let’s just go for a result first,’ he said. ‘All I can deal with is what goes on before the game.’
Strachan’s contract with the SFA runs until the end of the Russia 2018 campaign and he has reiterated his desire to take Scotland to experience a major finals.
‘I am so lucky that I have done so much in my career — all because I have had good people round me,’ he said. ‘And I want to bring the same to other people.
‘There would be nothing better than if I could take this nation, the people who’ve supported us and the players, to a wee bit of recognition. That’s all I am thinking of just now.’