Gordon Strachan leaves post as Scotland Manager

Gordon Strachan has left his post as Scotland manager following his side’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. The Tartan Army needed to secure all three points in their final group game against Slovenia but could only muster a 2-2 draw.

Strachan’s side were undefeated in 2017 but ultimately couldn’t recover from a poor start to their campaign. The announcement from the Scottish F.A suggests a mutual parting of ways.

It reads: “The board of the Scottish FA and Gordon Strachan have agreed that the Scotland national team will be led by a new head coach in preparation for the Uefa Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.”

Strachan himself was quick to praise his players’ refusal to capitulate while also stating just how proud he was to have managed his country.

 “I said on my first day as Scotland manager that it was the proudest moment of my career and that I wanted to put a smile back on the nation’s face again. I share the profound disappointment at missing out on the play-offs, especially having worked so hard to fight our way back into contention.

“The players should receive immense credit for that resilience in coming back from a difficult start and I would like to thank each and every player who has come in to represent their country. Together we have shared some really magical moments and those memories will live with me for ever.”

With no shortage of Scottish managers out there should the Scottish FA decide to once again employ one of their fellow countrymen, the bookies have installed David Moyes and Alex McLeish as the early favourites to succeed Strachan.