WHO CAN LEAD US OUT OF THE WILDERNESS?
ONE of the more contentious arguments for Gordon Strachan continuing as manager was a so-called lack of better available options. While some touted for the job would no doubt have the Tartan Army squirming in their seats, there are some quality contenders out there. Here, Sportsmail looks at those who may be in the running...
THE FLAWED FAVOURITES
The early money was on David Moyes and Malky Mackay — two men who, at different stages during their careers, would have been warmly received by many as head coach of the national team. Now, the jury is firmly out on both. Since Moyes enjoyed stoic, if unspectacular, success at Everton, his career has been on a nosedive. His time at Manchester United was over before it truly began, Real Sociedad lasted a year and his stint with Sunderland ended in relegation. Mackay, meanwhile, has been undergoing a rehabilitation of sorts within the SFA after his Cardiff controversy and Wigan woe. The performance director already has a voice within Hampden and was said to have been impressive during his interview for his current post. Both men lack international experience but Mackay has been playing a prominent role of late with the age-group sides.
THE HOMEGROWN OPTIONS
Graeme Souness believes it should be a ‘Scot’. But, since Berti Vogts left in 2004, each and every one of our national bosses have all ticked that particular box — and each one failed to take us to a major finals. Nevertheless, there are options available. Alex McLeish impressed in his short spell in charge back in 2007, winning seven out of ten matches, but his ambition dictated that he left for the English top flight before the job was done. Now out of work, he would be keen to return to the post. Like McLeish, Paul Lambert has had mixed fortunes managing down south and, likewise, is between jobs at present. While both men are looking to turn around their careers, a Scot whose star is still on the ascendancy is Derek McInnes. The Aberdeen boss turned down the Sunderland job during the summer but there will come a point when he
feels he has taken the Dons as far as they can go.
THE ENGLISH WILDCARDS
We are probably — hopefully — past the stage that any right-thinking Scot would take offence at one of our cousins from south of the border taking the Hampden reins. And, if they were so inclined to throw their expensive hats into the ring, there would be little doubt that either Sam Allardyce or Harry Redknapp would spice things up down Mount Florida way. Allardyce, removed from the England job after a newspaper sting operation last year, is rumoured to have previously expressed at least some interest, while Redknapp may feel he has something to prove at international level after being continually overlooked by the FA. Both men are renowned motivators, while their tactical acumen is often overlooked. Stewart Regan would have to loosen the pursestrings for either, however.
THE QUALIFICATION EXPERT
As manager of Iceland, he masterminded England’s demise at Euro 2016. As manager of Sweden, he led his home nation to five straight major finals. Lars Lagerback is a man who knows how to get the best out of small countries. Currently contracted to Norway until 2019, the Scotland job may have come at the wrong time for the 69-year-old but he is certainly a candidate who knows what is required.
THE ONE RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSE
Lagerback failed to achieve qualification with Norway for Russia next year. In a tough group, Germany came out on top, with Northern Ireland — managed, of course, by Edinburgh resident Michael O’Neill — taking the play-off spot. O’Neill is another manager that makes you wonder just when he’ll cash in the considerable chips he has accumulated by his success in charge of his nation. The offer of a club job has seemed inevitable ever since he led his men to Euro 2016. And yet, he has thus far remained in situ. A World Cup play-off in November awaits but this is a candidate who understands not only how to qualify for a major finals but also knows the Scottish game inside out.