Stewart Regan on the failure to land Michael O'Neill as Scotland manager - and where the SFA go now

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Q: How tough has this week been for you personally?

A: “I’ve been away from it as I’ve been in Switzerland since Sunday night so I’ve not been in the eye of the storm, if you like, but I’m obviously aware of what’s going on back in Scotland and I’ve followed the media.
“It’s disappointing both personally and for Scottish football that we haven’t got the guy we targeted and felt could lead Scotland to Euro 2020. 
“We targeted him at the outset and put together our strongest package within the budget confines we’d agreed with the board and presented a very strong case in a three-and-a-half hour meeting in Edinburgh last week. 
“It was a very positive and productive meeting and I genuinely think Michael was torn. On one hand he had his loyalty to Northern Ireland and the on other an opportunity to lead Scotland, the country where he lives and has made his home and in the city where we have our national performance centre. 
“He understands the pipeline of talent we’ve got and would have at his disposal, but we haven’t got him and we’ve got to refocus and take our shortlist to the next stage.” 

Q: Did you leave the meeting in Edinburgh last week thinking you had got your man?

A: “It was a very productive meeting and that was acknowledged by Michael and his agent. We had a chance to present to each other and give feedback on the Scotland team and the opportunity. 
“We came out of the meeting thinking we had given it our very best shot and we’d done everything we possibly could and while it’s incredibly frustrating and disappointing for everyone - I’ve seen some of the comments from the fans - this isn’t unusual in football. 
“It’s not unusual that you don’t get the guy you target. You give it your best shot and put your best foot forward but sometimes it doesn’t happen and we have to move on.” 

Read more: Stewart Regan: I'm to blame for Michael O'Neill affair - but I won't panic over a new Scotland manager

Q: While it’s not unusual for a club or football association to target a manager and not get him, what is unusual is for it to be known in the middle of November who you want but for two months to pass before you sit down with him? Was the delay to blame for O'Neill turning you down?

A: “I’m not sure I accept that in whole. A national association job is very different to a club job. In a club job you’ve got players who are in at work every single day and you’ve got a match coming up so there is a need to get someone in more quickly. 
“In a national coach situation where you haven’t got a competitive match for several months there isn’t the same burning need to have someone in place immediately. 
“It was made very clear to Michael last week and to his agent throughout that we wanted to do things professionally and above board. 
“The last thing I would have done is to have approached Michael without receiving permission to speak to him. We’re the governing body and responsible for managing the way our clubs operate and we wouldn’t like that happening on our watch.

Q: But your predecessor Gordon Smith said when he appointed George Burley he went to his agent and asked: ‘Will George come if we make an official approach?’ That happens in football.

A: “I don’t think you can actually say to anyone ‘Will he come?’ The person has to have a chance to sit and be interviewed and also to understand what we are able to offer. 
“We hadn’t had official permission to speak directly to Michael O’Neill. That was all linked to agreeing a compensation package. 
“The first part of the process was trying to get to an agreement with the IFA and in order to do that we had to, as a board, get comfortable with the amount of money involved and how we would structure that. 
“The second part of the process was making the official approach and in that official approach we got to the position where the agent knew that was our best package 

Read more: Michael O'Neill: I didn't use the SFA to get more money from Northern Ireland - it was a tempting offer
“The third part was sitting down with Michael and talking about the job and his genuine dilemma was that he had two opportunities to consider - the loyalty to his employer and the second a chance to work on his doorstep at Oriam.” 

Q: Do you think the delay in speaking to Michael allowed him to go to the IFA and ask for more cash? Did he play you off against the IFA?

A: “I can’t comment on that. It wasn’t Michael approaching us or the IFA. I believe everything Michael has done as far as his role is concerned has been carried out by his agent. We spoke to his agent regularly from November throughout. The agent fully understood our position – that before we could speak with Michael we had to be able to agree a compensation figure. 
“It took time for us to be able to agree that because of the numbers involved. We worked out a structure to allow us to do that and when we did we approached Michael. In the meantime, Michael could have taken another job. But the fact that he didn’t, the fact that he was still available, the fact that the feedback we were getting was that he still wanted to speak to us gave us a degree of assurance.”

Q: Have the SFA been naive?

A: “We followed it in the only way that we could. We had to get to a position that we could agree the compensation. We couldn’t pass go until we had got that particular issue resolved and it took us a while to do that because of the numbers involved. But when we did we acted very quickly and we made an approach to Michael to speak to him and we did that last week.”

Q: The salary you offered Michael is now public knowledge. Won't the next contender ask for the same amount even though his circumstances might be different?

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A: “I don’t think that’s how football works. It is based on the individual you get and their relative experience. I don’t think every manager that ever gets a job goes in thinking he has to get exactly the same salary as the previous guy or be the best paid manager in his peer group. It is ultimately a negotiation based on their experience and their credentials. 
“There is lots of young managers coming into roles at the moment, including national managers, not just in the British Isles but across the world. Their packages will be negotiated based on their personal circumstances. That will be the same for the SFA. 
“What I would say is that the package that was on offer to Michael was the highest comprehensive package that we have ever offered to a Scotland manager. That was done for two reasons. Firstly, because he’s delivered. He’s got his team to a European Championship finals and the play-off for the World Cup. 
“If a Scotland manager had done the same we would be having a similar conversation about a big package and a big incentive for the future. Let’s not forget it, Michael O’Neill has delivered. For that reason, we were prepared to pay a little bit more.”

Q: How did your offer compare to the IFA? There was a suggestion that you weren’t paying what they were. If that was the case, why would he come?

A: “I don’t think that with every manager it is all about the money. If it was all about the money he might have signed way back. Michael knew what our package was before he came to the meeting. So it wasn’t just about the money. It was about the opportunity and what else was available for him, the potential I suppose.”

Q: Do you think he’s made a mistake?

A “I would say that Michael has made the decision based on his own heart and his own feelings and I’m sure he’s considered it long and hard. Only time will tell whether or not he can deliver again. He clearly believes that’s there opportunity and we wish him well.”

Q: Has he given you a reason for turning you down as such?

A: “He hasn’t come out and said ‘it’s because of X’. What he said was that he didn’t think it was the right opportunity for him at this stage in his career. That was the line he used in his statement. You would have to ask Michael for a fuller explanation and I don’t know if he would be prepared to give you that.”

Q: Does the fact that becoming the highest paid Scotland manager in history wasn’t attractive to him not concern you?

A: “This is a really attractive job. Lots of managers are interested in becoming the Scotland manager simply because to manage your country brings a unique sense of pride and passion about it. 
“It’s not just a job now for managers at the end of their career. There is a lot of young managers coming in and making an impact. Chris Coleman being one in recent times, obviously Michael is another and now Ryan Giggs down at Wales and Gareth Southgate with England. It is a job that is appealing to a younger up-and-coming manager. 
“We have had a lot of interest. I honestly don’t think that it’s anything about the job for Michael O’Neill. It’s the balance between what was on offer to him in Northern Ireland versus the opportunity in Scotland. In his case, he’s decided that he should stay.”

Q: The next person will know they were a clear second choice. Won't that be a problem for them?

A: “That happens, doesn’t it? It happened at Stoke, it happened at Everton, it has happened in other environments. That is 
not unusual in football. 
“What you look at is the job itself and if you are a manager you will consider ‘can I add value and deliver in that job, do I want to manage my country, do I believe I can take Scotland to their first major final, can I put myself in the shop window and be successful in a job that is incredibly high profile?’
“The answer to all of those questions is yes. It has got a little bit of added extra spice because Hampden is one of 12 stadiums hosting the European finals. This is undoubtedly an attractive job, it has got a very attractive package in Scottish football and it is now for the sub-committee to get that list together and get to a position where we can move it forward.”

Q: Do you go back to a blank page in your search for a Scotland manager?

A: “No, not at all. We had a shortlist and we have added names in the last few days actually because there are some that have come forward to us. We do have a lit of names that we have targeted, but we made it very clear that Michael O’Neill was in our opinion the standout candidate from the original shortlist and we decided that the direct approach would present the greatest opportunity of making Michael feel that he was wanted. 
“We knew that maybe we couldn’t deliver the best financial package so we want him to know that he was sought after and there were a whole series of factors we could actually put on the table to perhaps mitigate his feelings that we couldn’t match the money.”

Read more: Stewart Regan: I'm to blame for Michael O'Neill affair - but I won't panic over a new Scotland manager

Q: Doesn’t the fact it took two months to get around a table with Michael look bad for the SFA? Fans were asking what was going on. Even Scott Brown told you to get your fingers out.

A: “I can understand the frustrations. That is why it’s important in discussions like this that we get the opportunity to explain why that time was necessary.
“It was an incredibly complex process with a manager who was under contract, who had a compensation package linked to that contract, and an association which was trying to manage the affordability of that and structure a deal that would allow us to put our best foot forward. 
“And also there was the fact we didn’t have a competitive match until September and in our opinion there was no burning platform to actually get this done and dusted quickly. We said at the time, back when Gordon left, that it could take months to find the right person and structure the deal in the best possible way and that’s proven to be the case.”

Q: Do you regret telling SFA Performance Director Malky Mackay that he wouldn’t be a contender?

A: “The position as far as Malky is concerned hasn’t changed. Malky is our performance director, he was employed to deliver the performance strategy, that was made very clear to him at the outset and we’ve had that discussion subsequently. Nothing has changed in that regard. That’s been discussed with our board, they know who the names on our shortlist are and Malky is not on that shortlist. Malky will focus on the performance strategy and the delivery of that.”

Q: Could Malky take charge again for the March friendlies like he did for the Netherlands match in November?

A: “Possibly. I wouldn’t say that he wouldn’t do again what he did at Pittodrie. But that would be a discussion for the board to have, and for myself to have with Malky subject to what happens in the next few weeks as far as the national coach is concerned.”

Q: Would you like to have a permanent boss by then?

A: “Ideally. It would be our preference to have someone in place but if we haven’t – and less me stress it’s about getting the right person for the job and if that takes a little bit longer then so be it – there could be another interim for the friendlies. We will deal with that a little bit closer to those friendlies.”

Q: What happens if the new guy doesn’t want to go to Peru and Mexico just weeks before Scottish clubs play European qualifiers?

A: “When we take friendlies there are a number of reasons for doing that, some of them for footballing reasons others for commercial reasons and a combination of both. If we are under contract to play friendlies then we will be playing the friendlies we have agreed and that will be part of the discussion with the new coach. 
“Let’s not forget, at the start of Michael O’Neill’s campaign when he led Northern Ireland forward they took a double header in South America with Uruguay and Chile. It was subsequently reflected on that that was an opportunity to showcase to the players the kind of opposition they could be playing if they were successful and it took them to places where they otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity to play.
“I think we have a great opportunity with Peru and Mexico to really let our players see what it’s like to play teams that are World Cup qualified teams from other confederations and continents. It could be the start of something special for us and the start of a new era. That will be part of the discussion with any national coach, that it’s a great chance to showcase Scottish football and kick off the new campaign.”

Q: How bruising is the “Regan Must Go” stuff?

A: “In seven years I’ve learned to separate reality from the ‘noise’ that goes on in the media and particularly online. I’m not here to win a popularity contest. I’m here to try to do a job. Unfortunately, when you do the job I do you are the person where the buck stops and the person that is criticised if things don’t go the way people would like. 
“I’ve learned to live with that, I’ve got a thick skin, I know that people get frustrated and they want to take it out on the Scottish FA and on somebody in particular. That’s just part of my job. I’m determined to get the right person to lead Scotland forward and give us the best possible chance of getting to Euro 2020.”

Q: Do you expect internal criticism within the SFA?

A: “If you refer to the board, the board has been part of this process from the outset. The board appointed the sub-committee, I’m leading the sub-committee. My colleagues Alan McRae, Rod Petrie and Ian Maxwell have been part of that process and at every step of the way the board has been updated on what has been happening and where we in that process. 
“There is nothing new in here, there are no surprises. I think the board will be – and are – disappointed with the situation that we find ourselves in, but it’s not an unusual situation in football. I think we just now need to discuss the runners and riders on the shortlist and kick on and get somebody.”

Q: Given the criticism you’ve had and how difficult this has been do you regret you didn’t just give Gordon Strachan another deal?

A: “No because that decision was based on performance. We gave Gordon two campaigns, we didn’t qualify, we said as a board when we had a discussion earlier in the campaign that we would try to back Gordon to get us to a position where we could have at least been in the play-offs and had at least an outside chance of qualifying. 
“We didn’t, and we decided it was time for change. We also wanted to try some new ideas and try to actually generate an opportunity to introduce some of the performance strategy thinking into the way that the new manager operates in the future.
“So, no, I think this is about trying to find the right person. In Michael O’Neill we identified somebody who was a great fit for us. Not only had he been successful, but his philosophy and his approach to match preparation was incredibly impressive. 
“He is somebody who uses insight and data and analysis to the nth degree and that’s part of our performance strategy that is really being pushed hard by Malky and that fits.”

Read more: Michael O'Neill: I didn't use the SFA to get more money from Northern Ireland - it was a tempting offer

Q: Will you look for that quality in the next manager? Not every candidate is good at that stuff?

A: “Sometimes getting a candidate with the perfect fit, that ticks every single box, is very, very difficult. We felt with Michael he ticked as many of those boxes as we were looking for and he would have been a really strong fit. Personality, philosophy, planning and preparation, experience and success: we want somebody who can tick as many of those boxes in the job as possible.”

Q: Is the criticism of you over the top?

A: “I know how passionate and I know how proud Scottish football fans are and how frustrated they get when things don’t happen.
“What I would say is as chief exec I take full responsibility for what has happened and for people’s frustrations. I feel there are genuine reasons why we find ourselves where we are and hopefully I have shared some of that. 
“This is a very unusual situation, it’s complex because the guy was in a job, is in a job, and there were various stages to go through. It was complicated further by the financial cost attached with the appointment. So I do find it frustrating at times, but I accept it because it goes with the territory.”

Q: Scotland qualifying for the finals of a major tournament would be worth millions to the SFA. Surely it would have been worth splashing out to get the best manager in?

A: "You can only work within a business – and that’s what we are, a £33 million turnover business -  with the budget you have. If you’ve won prize money of €33 million, which our colleagues in Wales and Northern Ireland have done, then you’ve more money at your disposal. 
“We agree the budget each year and in the case of the managerial appointment, we had to push the boundaries, but we had to push them to a realistic level, without putting ourselves in a difficult financial situation. It wasn’t just about money, there were other things we could put on the table, but unfortunately Michael’s chosen to stay with Northern Ireland.”
“You can’t look at it saying let’s put all the eggs in one basket, because that manager may not be successful and we’d be criticised for throwing good money after bad. What we have to be is balanced in any decision-making we make. 
“We’re investing in the next generation of young talent and there’s evidence players are beginning to emerge through the pipeline. We made a significant offer to Michael, in terms of offers we’ve made to Scottish managers of the past. We’ve not held anything back, we’ve gone as far as we can within the constraints of the budget we have.”

Q: Could you now appoint a foreign manager?

A: "I don’t want to rule anyone out. When Michael O’Neill and Chris Coleman got their jobs they didn’t have international experience.  I think it’s about finding someone who meets our specifications. The sub-committee have identified a person profile we’re looking for. 
“Michael O’Neill ticked a huge number of boxes, but first and foremost it’s about getting the right person. If they’ve international experience it’s a bonus, if they’ve successful international experience it’s a bigger bonus. But ultimately it’s about finding someone we think can deliver.
“I wouldn’t rule out a foreign coach, not at all. We’ve had a lot of interest from home and overseas. It’s about finding someone who can fit in Scotland, who’s prepared to put the hard yards in, getting around games in Scotland, England and overseas where we have Scottish players playing. 
“He also has to work with our other squads, and work with scot Gemmill and Malky Mackay in joining the A squad to the performance strategy, so there’s a seamless pipeline. That involves utilising the analysis and sports science functions within Oriam and introducing some innovation in how we approach the job. So nationality isn’t something we’re worrying about at the moment.”

Q: Is Scot Gemmill a contender?

A: “He’s a really talented coach. He’s emerged from the under-17s not that long ago and he’s midway through a campaign with the under-21s. His name’s been mentioned and I’m sure it’ll be discussed by the sub-committee, but it’s probably unfair to speculate on that. He has a big job to do with the under-21s.”

Q: Some national managers haven’t lived in the country they were in charge of, like Giovanni Trapattoni when he was in charge of the Republic of Ireland. Would you accept that situation? 

A: “It’s difficult to pick out one thing and say ‘will you accept that?’ We first have to identify a candidate who meets the spec we have for the job. Once we have that we can look at the package and domestic circumstances. We’d have to consider all candidates and their circumstances. Other managers have flown in for games. Trapattoni did it with the RoI, based in Italy. He was successful. Each candidate would be considered on their merits.”

Q: Can you win the public round again after this by appointing a Scotland manager who will excite them?

A: “This is Scottish football and things happen from time to time. I’m the guy who is responsible for the Scottish FA and for implementing our policies, procedures and key decisions.
“There will always be criticism and I’m big enough and ugly enough to handle that and have done for the last seven years. Our challenge is to get the right person in this job and get someone who can lead Scotland to a major finals. That is the ambition, that’s what we are determined to do.”

Q: Is it important you don’t make a knee-jerk reaction to this setback and the criticism?

A: “There is a tendency in certain situations where you have kind of an onslaught that we have had to react and say ‘we’ve got to do something, let’s appoint somebody’.
“That’s not what we are going to. We are going to take our time and reflect on what’s happened over the last few days and decide who are the people we are going to see and who is the best person for the job? If that takes a while, if it takes us past the March friendly, so be it. But we need to make sure we get the right person.
“The easiest thing for me as a chief exec to have done with the sub-committee last November would have been to just get a list of out of work managers and say: ‘Right, who could do this job? Let’s go for Fred Bloggs!’ We could have done that and it wouldn’t have been any problem. There would have been no criticism and we could have had somebody in place quickly. But, actually, we want someone who can excite the fans.
“We want someone who we genuinely believe can lead us to a major finals. That’s why it’s important to take time. That’s why it’s important to get the right person. We absolutely can’t panic and won’t panic. We will take our time get get the right person."

Q: But every day you attract more and more criticism?

A: “It does, but unfortunately that’s the nature of the world we now live in. Particularly in a world dominated by social media where everything is played out on a blow by blow basis, every offer, every conversation, every personal detail. There is a desire for immediacy and action and if that doesn’t happen there is criticism.”
“I understand that. I am still involved in social media, but in my situation no matter what ! talk about on social media always comes back to criticism.’

Q: Why bother going on Twitter then?

A: “Personally I think social media is a great way of keeping in touch with the sentiment and breaking news in particular. I suppose it becomes a little bit addictive. You look at it because it’s the place for breaking news and what’s going on. I like it for that.”

Q: Wouldn’t it be beneficial to have manager in for these March friendlies? You don’t want him to be starting in the Nations League in September.

A: “It would be great if we could have the manager in place as soon as possible. But it’s all about getting the right candidate and being seen not to panic just so that we can start the friendlies. We shouldn’t be rushed. We should focus on getting the right person for the job.”

Q: Where did you bump into O’Neill?

A: “It was a dinner for the draw launch. A number of the countries have got their managers with them. Gareth Southgate and Ryan Giggs and Michael were there last night. All the British associations have a really close relationship.
“We see each other regularly and I had a chat with Michael and Gareth Southgate last night and Ryan Giggs on the bus to the dinner. Meeting Michael wasn’t awkward at all. It was professional, I wished him well and wished him good luck in the draw.”