16 Feb 2018

ALEX McLEISH APPOINTED SCOTLAND MANAGER

The Scottish FA is delighted to announce Alex McLeish as the new Head Coach of the Scotland National Team.

Alex takes charge of the National Team for the second time, having previously held the position in 2007, during which time he came within minutes of leading the team to UEFA Euro 2008.

During his first spell, he recorded the highest win percentage of any Scotland manager, with seven victories from his 10 matches at the helm.

He led Scotland to a memorable 1-0 win over France in Paris in 2007, James McFadden’s strike in the Parc des Princes becoming one of Scotland’s most iconic goals of all-time.

During a distinguished playing career, Alex was capped 77 times – becoming Scotland’s fourth most decorated internationalist – and represented his country at three FIFA World Cups, Spain 82, Mexico 86 and Italia 90.

At club level he made nearly 700 appearances for Aberdeen, winning 13 trophies, including the European Cup Winners’ Cup and European Super Cup.

His first match in charge of Scotland will be at Hampden Park on Friday, 23 March against Costa Rica, followed by a trip to Hungary four days later.

Alex McLeish: “It is a tremendous honour to be named Scotland National Team Head Coach.

“I am incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to lead my country already and I am immensely proud to be in this position for a second time.

“There is much to be positive about in Scottish football, with players playing at the highest level and promising talent breaking through.

“With Hampden Park as one of the host venues for Euro 2020 we have an amazing opportunity to showcase our talents to the world from our own back yard.

“I am relishing the challenge of leading us to a major tournament and I cannot wait to get started.”

Alan McRae, Scottish FA President: “Alex McLeish is a true Scotland legend and a natural leader who has enjoyed success at club level in Scotland and England and at international level.

“It is a rarity to be in a position to appoint someone who has experience of successfully managing their country and we are delighted to reach an agreement with Alex.

“During the recruitment process he received resounding endorsements from several influential figures in the game which helped establish him as an outstanding choice from a strong list of possible candidates.

“Alex has demonstrated a desire and ability to get results with the national team and we believe that he is best placed to inspire our talented group of players to glory.

“With Hampden Park hosting matches at UEFA Euro 2020 it is more important than ever before for Scotland to qualify for a tournament finals and we believe that Alex is the exemplary candidate to guide us there.”

Source: Scotland FA