Critics of Big Eck should check his record
Alex McLeish will name his first Scotland squad for more than a decade tomorrow.
His last game in charge as national manager was against Italy in November, 2007, in a European Championship qualifier at Hampden.
Fate turned against McLeish that evening, with Scotland losing to a last-minute goal following a highly-disputed free-kick against Alan Hutton.
That campaign for the Finals in Austria and Switzerland was the closest Scotland have come to qualifying for a major event since the World Cup in France in 1998.
So although McLeish was only in charge for 10 internationals before resigning to become Birmingham City boss, his record stands up well.
Scotland had six points from four qualifiers when McLeish took over from Walter Smith, amassing a further 15 points from eight ties himself.
Of course, the highlight of McLeish’s first tenure in the Scotland hot seat was beating France 1-0 in Paris, thanks to that never-to-be forgotten wonder goal from James McFadden.
Scotland flew home to Glasgow immediately after the game at the Parc des Princes and it was a memorable journey.
Our press bus followed immediately behind the team, heading to Charles de Gaulle Airport via the Champs Elysee, with the Eiffel Tower lit up across the Seine.
When we touched down at Glasgow Airport, it was Faddy who brought us all back down to earth.
When asked if he was going for a celebratory pint, he said he was going to his mother’s chip shop for a fish supper! Typical, unassuming McFadden. At that point, nobody thought we’d just witnessed McLeish’s last game as Scotland boss, or that 18 years later we’d still be trying to reach a major tournament.
During that first spell as Scotland boss, McLeish didn’t change much of what he had inherited from Smith. He used 27 players already capped by his predecessor.
Derby County left-back Jay McEveley was the only player to earn his first full cap under McLeish.
The Tartan Army is split down the middle about Big Eck being re-appointed.
The dissenters should examine his record from last time round a bit more thoroughly. He did the same at Scotland as he’d done at Motherwell, Hibs and Rangers.
McLeish achieved good results and built decent teams.
He did very well at Birmingham City, too, but probably regrets going to Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Genk and Zamalek, who were all going through volatile situations off the park.
So don’t expect too many new faces tomorrow when McLeish announces his squad at Hampden for forthcoming friendlies against Costa Rica and Hungary.
Apart from his natural aptitude as a manager, McLeish has also managed to carry that little piece of luck to obtain results when required.
I wish him well.