ALEX McLeish believes his friend Gordon Strachan will stay on as national team boss to guide Scotland into their qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. With his contract set to expire after tomorrow's meaningless final-day encounter with Gibraltar in Faro, and as yet no talks under way between the national team boss and the SFA, many wonder whether the 58-year-old, who has previously walked away from posts at Southampton, Celtic and Middlesbrough may also conclude that he has also taken Scotland as far as he can. While he is wary of second guessing his actions in the wake of Thursday's dramatic end to our Euro 2016 qualifying hopes, McLeish, a team-mate with both Aberdeen and Scotland, feels the job suits him and fervently hopes that he will remain in post.
"When Gordon makes a decision he tends to stick to it," said the former Hibs, Rangers, Birmingham and Genk manager. "He might have that in his head right now. I know him very well and he can be quite impulsive but he’s his own man and he will do what he feels is right for him and his family.
"I feel that this is a role that suits him and that he will stay," he added. "That’s my opinion. I’m not saying it’s a cushy job but he’s got TV, he’s got a coaching business, he’s got about 20 grandweans. When it comes to games, his preparation, his thinking, his analysis is spot-on. He’s really strong in those departments."
While the SFA are under pressure to get their manager tied down on a contract to take them into a World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign which includes two matches with England, McLeish feels Strachan has earned some breathing space to make his decision. The Scotland national team has become locked into a pattern of short-termism when it comes to the manager's seat and a bit of stability could be exactly what the national team needs.
"If Gordon wants a bit of time I think they’ll respect that," said McLeish, speaking to promote Bank of Scotland's midnight leagues. "They might be anxious to get a really positive decision within the next 24 hours and we’d all love that but Gordon might want a bit of time."
With two meetings with England on the 2018 qualifying agenda, and an uncertain talent pool underneath this current side, Strachan has a lot to think about. His departure would leave McLeish as a contender to replace him, but he declined to comment on such a scenario. "I wouldn’t even go there because it’s all hypothetical," said McLeish, "If Gordon was to leave then I don’t know how I would feel."
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