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McLeish quits as Scotland boss

27/11/2007

Alex McLeish has handed in his resignation as Scotland manager and is expected to be unveiled as the new Birmingham City manager tomorrow.

The 48-year-old former Rangers head coach has repeatedly refused to discuss his immediate future with the national side over the past week, following Scotland's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

Speculation had suggested McLeish would be tempted by a job in the English Premier League, after he had stated his desire to return to club management but his reluctance to take another job in Scotland.

And it appears the opportunity to take over at St Andrew's following the departure of Steve Bruce has proved to be too alluring for McLeish to turn down.

An approach from Blues to speak to the Scotland manager had earlier been rejected by the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

But SFA president George Peat confirmed "with regret" that McLeish had chosen to tender his resignation.

"I am disappointed that Alex has chosen this course of action," Peat said.

"He is an outstanding manager who has done a fantastic job with the national team.

"Everyone at the SFA and indeed Scotland fans around the world were looking forward to Alex leading us into the World Cup qualification campaign.

"This is why we chose to offer Alex an extended contract while we were in South Africa. Sadly, he has chosen not to take up this offer.

"A special meeting of the SFA board will take place tomorrow morning at 11:00 GMT to discuss the current sitiation."

McLeish took over from Walter Smith as the Scotland boss after his predecessor also opted to return to club management with former club Rangers.

Despite many fans questioning the appointment McLeish went on to prove his doubters wrong by masterminding impressive victories over France in Paris and Ukraine in Glasgow.

However his side ultimately fell at the final hurdle in their quest to qualify for a first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup, losing 2-1 at home to Italy when victory would have guaranteed their place in the finals.