Craig Levein and Gary McAllister among early favourites for top job

Published on Monday 16 November 2009 21:55

BOOKMAKERS did not have to look too far when digging out the list of potential candidates to follow George Burley into the Scotland manager's post – it's pretty much the same roll call that was trotted out when Alex McLeish bailed out to Birmingham City in November 2007.

All the usual suspects are there – some who would clearly not touch the job with a bargepole, others who are way out of the SFA's price range, and then a small, but select smattering of credible candidates, who will no doubt spend the next few days and weeks fielding questions about their interest or aversion to the vacancy.

The SFA took two months to decide that Burley was its man from a four-man short-list that included Mark McGhee, Graeme Souness and the late Tommy Burns, and whatever final batch of candidates is decided upon this time, it looks certain there will be new contenders.

Burley was given the brief to try and guide Scotland to the World Cup finals in South Africa, and his replacement will be given the twin targets of restoring the national team's now-battered pride, and making a respectable challenge to qualify for the European Championships in 2012, to be held in Ukraine and Poland. It will be a tall order on both counts, but at least he will be getting a fresh start – and an entire qualifying campaign to prove his worth as manager.

The new Scotland manager's first game in charge will be against the Czech Republic at Hampden on 3 March.

By that time he will know the identity of the teams grouped with the Scots, who will go into the third pot of seeds when the draw is made on 7 February in Poland.

Who will it be? Here, The Scotsman assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the cases offered by those touted in the betting shops as possible candidates.

&#149 CRAIG LEVEIN

Dundee United manager has earned widespread respect for the job he has done at Tannadice, turning an underachieving side into contenders for the title of 'best of the rest' outwith the Old Firm in the SPL. His sides are well organised and robust, and are capable of raising their game on the big occasion. The major stumbling block to him getting the job is his severely strained relationship with the SFA, and notably its chief executive Gordon Smith with whom he has had a series of unseemly public spats. For that reason, he seems a questionable bookies' favourite for the vacancy.

&#149 GARY McALLISTER

McAllister has often been linked with a job within the Scotland set-up and looked on course to be invited to fill a backroom spot in Burley's team before a move to a post at Portsmouth fell through. The former Scotland skipper had limited success as a manager at Coventry City and Leeds United, but has a wealth of experience and would be a popular choice.

&#149 PAUL LAMBERT

After a shaky start in management with Livingston and Wycombe, the former European Cup-winning player has become a rising star within English football, doing well at Colchester and making an impressive start to his new role at Norwich City. Looks in with a chance of the Scotland post if it takes his fancy.

&#149 GORDON STRACHAN

The former Celtic manager made it clear that he was relishing the job he faces at Middlesbrough when he was unveiled last month. It would be a massive surprise if he was to turn his back on that role so soon.

&#149 GRAEME SOUNESS

Would arguably have been a better choice than Burley last time round, but that was then, this is now, and the much-travelled Souness unequivocally ruled himself out of the running yesterday, saying: "I don't want the job. I wouldn't want the job. It's not for me at this time, my life is going in a different direction."

&#149 WALTER SMITH

Being widely tipped and backed for a return as national manager, having helped repair the damage of the Berti Vogts era. But he quit when it suit him, when the Rangers job became available, and for that reason a large portion of the Tartan Army would have difficulty welcoming him back with open arms.

&#149 ALEX McLEISH

Happily settled in his job at Birmingham – for now. He too left the Scotland job when it suited him and a return looks bordering on impossible.

&#149 JIM JEFFERIES

Mr Steady of the SPL and no doubting the fine job he has done over the years at a number of clubs. The Kilmarnock manager may well be interested in a new career twist. May have to win over some doubters though.

&#149 JIMMY CALDERWOOD

Out of work and available, the former Aberdeen manager would also have to work hard to persuade the fans that he was the right man for the job.

&#149 JOHN COLLINS

Has only had a brief spell with Charleroi in Belgium since quitting Hibs. A lot depends on whether he has another club job in mind, but decent claims.

&#149 BILLY DAVIES

The Nottingham Forest manager has been tipped by his mentor Craig Brown and his record is decent. An abrasive character at times, however, and he would have to fight a strong PR campaign to land the role at Hampden.

&#149 OWEN COYLE

Unlikely the Burnley manager will be tempted, given he is living the dream in the Premier League.

&#149 DARREN FERGUSON

Worked wonders with Peterborough United, guiding them up two divisions successively to the Championship, but mysteriously exited the club last week. Relatively inexperienced. Long shot.

&#149 CSABA LASZLO

The Hearts coach has made it known he can see himself operating at a higher level again, having previously coached Uganda. Did exceptionally well in steering the Tynecastle side into third last season, but the SFA may be reluctant to hire a foreign coach after the Berti Vogts experience.

&#149 ALLY McCOIST

Has had a decent level of experience of management as Walter Smith's understudy, but looks a future Rangers manager before being talked about for the Scotland post.

&#149 JOE JORDAN

Tottenham assistant is a Scotland legend and would be a popular and experienced choice.

&#149 KENNY DALGLISH

King Kenny will forever be treasured as a Scotland great, but his spell at the helm of Celtic may be enough to put supporters off.

FRONT-RUNNERS

LADBROKES

Craig Levein 11-4

Walter Smith 7-2

Jim Jefferies 4-1

Jimmy Calderwood 6-1

Gary McAllister 10-1

Others 12-1 and upwards WILLIAM HILL

Jim Jefferies 5-1

Craig Levein 5-1

Walter Smith 5-1

Gary McAllister 6-1

Owen Coyle 7-1

Others 10-1 and upwards MCBOOKIE.COM

Craig Levein 4-1

Jim Jefferies 5-1

Walter Smith 11-2

Jimmy Calderwood 7-1

Others 8-1 and upwards