Stewart Regan says there is ‘substantial’ interest in Scotland job

By ALAN PATTULLO
Published on 16/11/2012 10:02

SFA Chief Executive Stewart Regan says he has already fielded a “substantial” number of enquiries about the Scotland manager’s job as he applauded caretaker Billy Stark after he led the team to a 2-1 victory in Luxembourg on Wednesday night.

Regan said that Stark had “greatly impressed” since Craig Levein was relieved of his duties last week.

And Regan confirmed that the formal process of identifying a permanent replacement for Levein is now underway. He added that the enquiries about the job had come both from Scotland and abroad.

Stark looks to have done his own cause no harm with the win in Luxembourg after ten of the original squad withdrew, including Kris Commons on the day of the game.

“Firstly, on behalf of the [SFA] oard I would like to express my gratitude for the professional manner in which Billy Stark has undertaken the role of Interim National Coach,” said Regan. “As well as providing a much-needed victory, Billy has impressed us greatly by the way he has 
conducted himself in the role.”

Four members of the SFA board, including Regan, were on the trip to Luxembourg. The chief executive was joined by Campbell Ogilvie, the SFA President, and the vice-presidents, Alan McRae and Rod Petrie.

“The Scottish FA office bearers met in Luxembourg to discuss the next steps in the process to identify and appoint a new 
National Coach,” said Regan.

“The board is committed to confirming a permanent appointment in enough time to prepare for the next World Cup qualifying match, against Wales at Hampden Park in March next year.”