Scotland are still searching for a new manager to guide them in the inaugural Nations League. The Scots now know they will face Albania and Israel, as reported by BBC Sport.
Scotland’s Nations League draw confirmed but manager hunt continues.
In the recent draw for UEFA’s brand new international competition, Scotland were pulled out the hat to face Albania and Israel in a three team group after being placed in League C. They will be hopeful of more success against these teams after their disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.
About The Nations League
The international competition run by UEFA will be linked to qualification for Euro 2020. Scotland will begin their campaign in September this year and will play both countries home and away.
With Euro qualifying commencing in March 2019 this new league gives a second chance for countries to qualify through four play-off spots. This could mean a great chance for Scotland to reach their first major finals since 1998.
Scotland’s Group C1 Fixtures
Monday 10 September: Scotland v Albania
Thursday 11 October: Israel v Scotland
Saturday 17 November: Albania v Scotland
Tuesday 20 November: Scotland v Israel
These four games will be crucial to the Tartan Army’s hopes of seeing their country as part of Euro 2020.
The search for a new manager
This week, the Scottish Football Association saw their main target Michael O’Neill turn them down and remain with his current employers Northern Ireland. This was a major blow for SFA Chief Stewart Regan. With O’Neill seemingly their one and only target it’s now back to the beginning of their hunt.
Speaking at the Nations League draw in Lausanne, Regan was upbeat about the process and insisted there are other candidates worth considering.
Possible targets
A number of names have been throw into the mix from various reports. Both Scottish and foreign managers. Former defender, Gary Caldwell, is the most recent name to show interest. Other names like Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes have shown their admiration for the job but now is not the right time for most.
An alternative candidate could be former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic. As unlikely as this may seem it could be a great option for the SFA with a quality head coach out of work that would certainly give something different to the previous failings of past national team managers.
Whatever the SFA do decide, they must get it right this time. After such an embarrassing debacle in the pursuit of Martin O’Neill they must get the right man in. One that can finally deliver for such an expectant nation of football lovers, desperate for the team to succeed.
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