Scottish football had a tragic end to a good year. Phil O’Donnell’s death on 29 December was a crushing loss to all concerned. A fine example to Scottish football has left us and he will be sadly missed.
Now, more than ever, the SFA need to consider the appointment of new Scotland coach. Such tragedy is a further reason for the Scotland team to be released from the uncertainty of who will lead them to further victories, qualification for World Cup 2010 and beyond. Walter Smith and Alex McLeish did some fine work. Similarly, the Scotland squad have worked hard producing some outstanding results. For this reason they are all well worthy of our (and the SFA’s) support, and to be left without leadership or direction is doing them a disservice.
The SFA chose well twice before, but I hope they don’t take too long to appoint the next Scotland coach. I expect good things, but wish they would hurry up.
Suggested candidates for Scotland coach include:
1, 2: Mark McGhee and Craig Levein – as suggested by Barry Ferguson and many others
3. Tommy Burns – previously Scotland assistant coach under Walter Smith
4. John Collins – a favourite, but also likely to be approached by Fulham
5. Graeme Souness – the man who turned Rangers around and wasn’t afraid to sign catholics to play at Ibrox
6. Kevin Keegan – Betfair’s idea of a joke???
I hope it’ll be McGhee, Levien or Souness. They all exude passion and determination and have fine records, showing they would do the Scotland team proud.
