Strachan still the man for Scotland coaching job: chief

Glasgow (AFP) – Gordon Strachan will remain as Scotland coach despite a poor 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign with Scottish Football Association president Alan McRae declaring he could still get them to the finals.

Strachan — who had a distinguished international career being capped 50 times — looked to be in trouble after the Scots were soundly beaten 3-0 by historic foes England in a qualifier for Russia.

It left the Scots — who haven’t qualified for a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup — eight points adrift of leaders England and four off second-placed Slovenia, who they host next March, after four matches. 

However, McRae said following the SFA board’s review of the campaign 59-year-old Strachan retained their confidence despite the poor start and they were the only British Isles side to fail to reach the Euro 2016 finals.

“Gordon is a good experienced coach, a former international player, he has all the credentials, he has won trophies (he guided Celtic to three league titles, a Scottish Cup and two League Cups),” said McRae.

“He has a good group of players, they work as a group.

“We are obviously a bit disappointed to say the least in terms of four points from 12 which, if it had been six or seven we would have all have had at least a half smile on our face.

“But it is mathematically possible and I still think Gordon can take us to the play-offs.

“I am going to be positive. We are moving on. March will be the next home game, a great opportunity to get a win.

“It was always going to be difficult and we have made it more difficult for ourselves but I still think it is possible because we have four games at home.”