MARK McGhee is adamant Scotland are getting a much better manager than the one who left the top job 10 years ago following the re-appointment of Alex McLeish.
However, Gordon Strachan’s former No.2 with the national side reckons the decision illustrated the Scottish Football Association's lack of coherent strategy as they hunted a new boss.
A little more than a decade has passed since McLeish quit Hampden in the aftermath of Scotland’s failed Euro 2008 qualification campaign in order to take up the reins at Birmingham City, where he would go on to lift the League Cup.
Stints at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and abroad with Genk and Zamalek followed for the coach, who has been out of work for two years. Nevertheless, McGhee is adamant McLeish has never stopped learning and developing.
“The one thing that should be said is that Alex McLeish has not stood still,” said McGhee.
“From the day Alex left the Scotland job, he has developed as a manager.
“He has has other jobs, of course, but he is also one of those coaches who is always looking for educational opportunities in football. He attends course, is always at the LMA [League Managers’ Association] meetings on sports science and psychology.
“He is someone who progresses himself every step of the way, so in that sense Scotland are getting themselves a better manager than the one who left following that Italy match.
“Alex McLeish is going to be a great Scotland manager over the next period, there is no doubt about that. He can do the job. He represents a very solid manager who will steady the ship and, maybe for next time, will prepare the ship for a real change of direction.”
McLeish’s appointment on a two-year deal last week was the culmination of a fraught four-month search for a new manager, which saw Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill deliver a humiliating knock-back to the Scottish FA’s approach.
Walter Smith was also sounded out but ultimately ruled himself out of the running before the governing body - currently without a chief executive following the resignation of Stewart Regan - chose to hand McLeish the role.
And McGhee believes the lack of a clear plan at Hampden was evident.
“I think it exposes the last of thought and the lack of foresight to let Gordon go,” added McGhee. “I think what has happened is they’ve gone full circle.”
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