Owen Coyle open to Scotland vacancy

Published on 07/11/2012 13:14

Owen Coyle has admitted he would welcome an approach to discuss the possibility of taking over as Scotland boss.

• Owen Coyle would welcome Scotland job if asked, former Bolton manager says

• Coyle was sacked as Bolton manager last month

Glasgow-born Coyle has been out of work since he was sacked as Bolton manager in October but has been touted as a candidate to replace Craig Levein.

Levein was sacked on Monday night following a disappointing start to Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign that finds them bottom of their group and without a win in four games.

Coyle would welcome an approach from the Scotland Football Association and revealed he had already turned down clubs in England since leaving the Reebok Stadium.

“I’m always open to hearing what someone has to say. It’s a great job, that’s for sure,” Coyle told BBC Radio Scotland.

“It’s a fantastic job for whoever’s lucky enough to be asked to lead Scotland.

“I’ve already turned down a couple of approaches down here, but I’ve listened to what people have had to say.

“And, for me, the next thing has to be the right fit in terms of matching the same ambition as I have.

“There’s no doubt there’s a good squad of players there.”

Coyle won a single cap for the Republic of Ireland as a player but spent most of his playing days in Scotland while making his name as a manager with St Johnstone.

And while the 46-year-old would like to fill Levein’s shoes in Scotland’s top job he admitted his sympathy for the outgoing boss.

“My first thoughts are with Craig, as I get on very well with Craig,” he said.

“I think we all understand how that works in football, and I wish him well for his speedy return to the game.

“I think Scotland are very fortunate that there’s many fantastic candidates capable of doing that job.”