Alex McLeish’s second spell at Scotland manager has come to an end, the Scottish Football Association has announced.
McLeish’s fate was decided at a Hampden board meeting that was called to thrash out a decision on whether to sack him in the wake of last month’s humiliating 3-0 defeat to Kazakhstan.
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Alex McLeish has been axed by Scotland
The Scottish Football Association announced McLeish would be leaving his role ‘with immediate effect’ after board members gathered for a meeting at Hampden on Thursday morning.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said in a statement: “The decision to part company was not an easy one, especially given Alex’s status as a Scotland Hall of Fame member, earning 77 international caps, having played in three World Cups and taken charge of the national team for two spells.
“It was only taken after full consideration by the board and after an honest and respectful conversation between myself and Alex earlier in the week.
“Ultimately, the performances and results as a whole in the past year – and, in particular, the manner of the defeat in Kazakhstan – did not indicate the progress expected with a squad we believe to be capable of achieving more.”
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SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell says the Scotland squad is capable of achieving more than what was displayed under McLeish’s reign
McLeish led Scotland to Nations League success last year but the 3-0 defeat in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier in Kazakhstan last month was regarded as one of the worst in the national team’s history.
The 60-year-old said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to have managed my country for a second time and leave knowing that I gave my all in the pursuit of success.
“I am proud that together we finished top of our UEFA Nations League group and qualified for the UEFA Euro 2020 play-offs, which gives us a real opportunity to reach a major tournament for the first time in over 20 years.
“I am also pleased to have given many younger players a first taste of international football that will stand them – and the country – in good stead for the future.”
McLeish won five and lost seven matches during his second reign and departs along with coaching colleagues Peter Grant, James McFadden and Stevie Woods.
McLeish's record as Scotland boss
First spell, Jan-Nov 2007
P10 W7 D0 L3 F14 A9 GD+5
* McLeish was in charge for eight of Scotland’s 12 Euro 2008 qualifiers, with five wins and three defeats. They had won three and lost one before he took over and ultimately finished third in their group, missing out on qualification.
* He also oversaw 1-0 friendly wins over Austria and South Africa.
* James McFadden, a coach in McLeish’s second spell in charge, was his top scorer first time around alongside Kris Boyd on three goals.
Second spell, Feb 2018-Apr 2019
P12 W5 D0 L7 F14 A18 GD-4
* Scotland topped Nations League group C1 with three wins out of four against Israel and Albania.
* They opened their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 3-0 loss in Kazakhstan before beating San Marino 2-0.
* In six friendlies, Scotland have beaten only Hungary, 1-0, while losing to Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, Belgium and Portugal.
* Celtic winger James Forrest top-scored in McLeish’s second spell with five goals – two against Albania and a hat-trick against Israel in the Nations League.
* McLeish has not drawn a game in either of his spells as Scotland manager.
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The SFA will now look to fill the role before Scotland host Cyprus in their latest European Championship qualifier on June 8, although it is understood that an interim appointment has not been ruled out.
Maxwell added: “We firmly believe we have the potential to recover from the opening group defeat and unlock the potential of this exciting squad of players for the remainder of the campaign, safe in the knowledge we also have the play-offs as an additional route to UEFA Euro 2020.
“With Hampden Park one of the host city venues for the 60th Anniversary of the European Championships, we are determined to ensure our supporters can watch the national team participate in UEFA Euro 2020.”
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