Gordon Strachan signs contract extension as Scotland manager Last Updated: 16/10/15 6:48pm
Gordon Strachan is to remain in charge of the Scotland side after signing a two-year extension to his contract. The experienced 58-year-old boss, who has been at the helm since January 2013, will therefore supervise Scotland's bid to reach the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia. Strachan took some time to consider his future after the Scots failed to reach Euro 2016, having finished fourth in their European Championship group, behind Germany, Poland and Republic of Ireland. However, the vocal backing of the Scotland fans, exemplified by the 11,000 who travelled to watch the final qualifier, a 6-0 win over Gibraltar, appears to have been a factor in persuading Strachan to stay on.
"It is an honour and a privilege to manage my country and, in a way, that has made the disappointment of not qualifying for Euro 2016 all the more profound," said Strachan.
"None the less, the reaction from the supporters throughout the campaign, and in particular from those who travelled to Faro in their thousands, is an experience that will live with me for the rest of my life.
"It was a recognition that the players' efforts had been appreciated.
"That appreciation and goodwill has also been apparent in the messages of support I have received this week, from emails and letters, to chats in the street.
"I want the best for our country and for those players, and I believe we can make Scotland proud in the upcoming qualifiers.
"For that reason, I am delighted to have been asked to continue in my role. I look forward to working with my backroom staff and the players to improve on the previous campaign and look forward to the World Cup qualifiers with optimism."
Scotland are in a potentially fascinating qualifying group for Russia 2018 which includes their old rivals England, plus Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania and Malta.
And Strachan will again be assisted by newly-appointed Motherwell boss Mark McGhee and former Rangers manager Stuart McCall.
An SFA statement read: "The Scottish FA is delighted that Gordon has agreed to remain in charge after the unwavering support demonstrated by the Scotland fans throughout the European qualifying campaign."
And SFA Chief Executive Stewart Regan said: "The Board of the Scottish FA has been consistent in our belief that Gordon should continue the good work that has been apparent in many performances and results throughout the previous campaign.
"Similarly, the supporters and the players have been overwhelming in their view that Gordon is the national coach to lead us into the World Cup qualifying campaign.
"The mutual respect and stability that exists is essential to our future success and we all look forward to planning for Russia 2018."
Scotland will be looking to reach their first major tournament finals since they successfully qualified for the 1998 World Cup.
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12017/10030843/gordon-strachan-signs-contract-extension-as-scotland-manager
