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Who should replace Gordon Strachan as Scotland manager?

By Taylor Anderson

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 12: James Tavernier (R), of Rangers celebrates scoring in the second half during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 12: James Tavernier (R), of Rangers celebrates scoring in the second half during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Who should replace Gordon Strachan as Scotland manager?

It’s was obvious to outsiders that Gordon Strachan was not the man to fix the Scottish national team. The SFA and Strachan came to an agreement that it is time for him to depart from Hampden.

While there was some antipathy towards him among the Tartan Army, the results just weren’t there. Scotland still has yet to qualify for a major tournament since 2002, despite 9 managers taking a crack since that tournament. Who would be an appropriate hire to fix the mess that is the Scotland team?

If asked my opinion, I’d say if the Scotland team was determined to get a native son as manager, than perhaps ex-Manchester United and Everton boss David Moyes may be able to do a job.

While the Glasgow native resigned from Sunderland following their relegation from the Premier League last year and has struggled since leaving Everton, perhaps he could find that form back in his native Scotland and lead the Tartan Army to success.

Another possibility, a bit more far-fetched given their current success at the club level, could be Celtic FC manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Northern Irishman has had successful spells in the Premier League and English Championship, leading Swansea City to the Premier League before heading to Merseyside. As Liverpool manager he secured a not-to-shabby 50% winning percentage in 166 matches. Following his dismissal, he went north of the border to the historically dominant Celtic FC. Given the success in Glasgow, it may prove difficult to convince the 44-year-old to leave “Paradise” for the Scotland job, but it is surely worth a phone call.

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Lastly, there are rumors the current Norther Ireland manager Michael O’Neil would be willing to follow Gordon Strachan. He is already proven as a successful international manager and it seems logical he could turn around the Scotland side as well. Not many managers are able to make a team of players greater than the sum of its parts, but O’Neil may be one.

While some may not feel Strachan should be fired immediately, if Scotland truly wants to remake themselves into a successful international side they need to start by showing that they cannot accept the status quo.

While every manager should get enough time to make an impact, 2 campaigns have passed without qualification for a major tournament. That’s more than enough.

It’s time for a change, for the greater good of the game in Scotland.

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