Why Does Nobody Want The Scotland Job?

by Mark Ferguson

Just under a fortnight ago, Scotland suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Wales to signal the end of George Burley’s Scotland career after only 22 months in charge. This was not the first time that Burley’s position as Scotland manager had come under scrutiny. However, where he had been given more time previously, time had now well and truly run out for him.

The headline of nobody wanting the Scotland job may sound a little dramatic and inaccurate with some managers already putting their hat in the ring. It would probably be more precise to say: why does no one with the right credentials want the Scotland job?

The early favourites to land the job were Walter Smith and Craig Levein. However, Smith has already said he is not interested in the post and although Levein has not yet stated definitively whether he is interested or not, it is believed he will want to continue to manage at club level for Dundee United for the foreseeable future. That leaves Graeme Souness, who is said to be reluctant because he was turned down in favour of George Burley previously, and ex-players like John Collins and Gary McAllister who have had limited managerial experience.

The obvious next step would be to look to bring in a foreign manager to shake things up a little. But after Scotland’s bad experience with Berti Vogts the Scottish FA are reportedly very unwilling to bring in a foreign coach and instead want to explore all avenues for a home-grown manager.

To answer the question regarding why no one wants the job, I suppose the lack of talent that Scotland have in their squad at the moment as well as the number of players who have recently said they will never play for Scotland again are two huge reasons. Anyone taking the reins has to deal with all the problems and rifts that occurred during Burley’s time in charge while completely revamping the whole set up and going back to basics. A fresh approach is needed at this important time, but in modern day football time is something not often given.

There have been a number of managers linked with the job, but none have been big names that will truly command respect in the dressing room. This was also Burley’s problem; he didn’t command respect and was continually undermined until it got to the point where there was literally nothing he could do right. A strong coach, who the players will respect, is needed. Though with the most likely candidates already looking to have ruled themselves out it won’t be easy to find Scotland a new manager.

Written by Mark Ferguson, a sports writer who blogs about cheap football shirts.

Who should the SFA appoint as Scotland manager next? Is Craig Levein the only man for the job? Or should another foreign manager be appointed? Comments welcome.

Coaching, Craig Levein, Scotland