Scotland opt for Strachan as the man to revive fortunes

16Jan 2013

Christian Crowther discusses whether Gordon Strachan's appointment is good news for Scotland...

It has been a long time coming but the Scottish FA have confirmed the appointment of Gordon Strachan as Scotland's new national team manager.

Strachan will replace Craig Levein, who was sacked back in November following a winless start to Scotland's World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign.

The former Celtic and Middlesbrough boss has signed a deal covering the remainder of Scotland's qualifying campaign and up to the end of their next qualifiers for Euro 2016.

"I'm very proud but also my family are proud. The time is right for me to be able to take a job like this," he said after his appointment was announced. "Every club you go to, there's always challenges but this is the first time the challenges are in front of a nation."

One thing is for sure, after a return of just two points from four qualifiers, Strachan faces a nigh on impossible task - rated at around 110.0 - guiding Scotland from the bottom of the Group A table into one of the top two slots.

Also the question must be asked as to whether Strachan really is the right man to revive the fortunes of this proud footballing nation. The fact that the Scottish FA have not offered a contract which covers the Euro 2016 finals, would suggest they do not harbour a great faith, just yet, in Strachan delivering qualification for that competition.

Strachan may have been a fantastic player for his nation in the 1980s heydays but his mixed managerial record offers some insight into the FA's reluctance to propose a longer contract.

Aside from managing Celtic to three SPL titles in what was essentially a two-horse race, his most recent spell as a manager at Middlesbrough raises its fair share of alarm bells.

After spending huge sums by Championship standards on Scottish players like Stephen McManus and Kevin Thomson, and bringing in Kris Boyd on a rumoured £30,000-a-week deal, Strachan left by mutual consent with the Teessiders languishing in 20th after less than a year in charge, admirably waiving any right to compensation.

He was also at the helm of his first club Coventry when they were relegated from the Premier League in 2001 after 34 years in the top flight.

Scotland's problems run deep at present, not least with questions over the commitment of all the players at the squad's disposal, something Levein was unable to master during his tenure.

At least Strachan has the sort of extrovert personality which could help lift spirits in the camp, but as far as results go, there could still be bumpy times ahead.