A 2-0 victory over one of the world’s worst team was not enough to silence the haters.
Scotland head coach Alex McLeish has been sacked from his job, despite his team recovering from a 3-0 defeat against Kazakhstan in March with a 2-0 win over San Marino – the world’s worst football nation, according to FIFA’s rankings.
The sacking also comes despite the fact McLeish’s side have won a towering five of their last 12 games in his second spell in charge of the national side. Scotland lost the other seven.
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA Chief Executive said in a statement:
“On behalf of the board, I would like to place on record my thanks to Alex and his backroom team for their efforts in leading the national team over the past 12 months, not least in topping our UEFA Nations League group and reaching the play-offs.
“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.
“With that in mind, it was agreed that we would seek to recruit a new management team to take us forward for the remainder of European Qualifying campaign.
“At this point I would like to pay tribute to Alex for the good grace with which he has accepted the decision and for remaining unstinting in his support of the team for the remainder of the campaign.”
McLeish added:
“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.
“I would like to thank those players who showed a passion for wearing the dark blue, my assistants, Peter, James and Stevie, for their contribution over the past year. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the entire national team backroom staff and my friends and colleagues at the Scottish FA.
“Finally, I would like to thank the Scotland fans for their unwavering support of the team and look forward to taking my place among them in the future.”
