Scotland manager Alex McLeish will stand down from the role following the country’s awful start to the Euro 2020 qualification campaign.
The Scottish FA say he will leave his role “with immediate effect” following a board meeting on Thursday morning.
The organisation claims a “change of management is necessary to reinvigorate” the country’s Euro 2020 campaign.
The Scottish FA said the decision came about as a result of Scotland’s 3-0 defeat to Kazakhstan in March.
NEWS | Alex McLeish to leave Scotland National Team.https://t.co/yedPQgsmlq
— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) April 18, 2019
Announcing Mr McLeish’s departure, chief executive of the Scottish FA Ian Maxwell said the loss – which was followed by a 2-0 win over San Marino – “did not indicate the progress expected” of the national side.
Assistant coaches Peter Grant, James McFadden and Stevie Woods are also departing the national side.
Mr McLeish 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.
Search for Alex McLeish replacement as Scotland manager begins
“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.”
