Mulraney says reaching Euros is paramount
SFA vice-president Mike Mulraney says Scotland qualifying for Euro 2020 would be the “gamechanger” the country has been crying out for.
After back-to-back defeats against Russia and Belgium, Steve Clarke’s side now realistically only have the Nations League play-offs open to them next march as a route to qualification.
They are likely to comprise a semi-final against Bulgaria or Israel at Hampden Park and, if successful, a one-off tie against Serbia or Norway for the prize of a place in the Euros.
That would carry with it a financial boost of more than £10million.
It is, on paper at least, an achievable-looking goal, and one that the Association are keen to do everything in their power to help the new manager deliver.
“The board of the SFA, myself and the president are acutely aware of how much Scotland wants and needs a qualification,” said Mulraney.
“It’s massive. It’s a game-changer.
“As an Association, the revenue would allow us to manage better, to change priorities and change objectives.
“But the biggest single factor that will hit us is qualification.
“It will encourage kids, and adults, to be involved in football.
“As the board of the SFA, we should be doing everything in our power to ensure that every kid gets an opportunity to take part in their national sport.”
If Mulraney, who is also the Alloa chairman, flags up the need for improvement in selling the benefits of playing the game to the general public, he i s bullish about Scotland’s chances.
“We’ve got fantastic players now, players playing in the best league in the world,” he continued.
“We’ve got great players, we’ve got a great manager.
“So it can happen, but what we will need is all of Scottish football operating together, including the fans who are often the extra man needed to get us across the line.
“If you look at the attendance figures, and our TV viewing figures, we have an outstanding success story in this country.
“We are self-critical, and that’s great because it challenges us to improve at all times.
“But our TV audiences are increasing while most other nations are all falling, so we are in healthy position.
“There is no question, however, about the fantastic impact the men’s senior team qualifying for Euro 2020 would give us.”
▪ READ SIR KENNY DALGLISH ON THE SCOTLAND CRISIS ON PAGE 11.