McAllister set for Scotland job
Former Leeds United and Coventry City manager Gary McAllister has been earmarked by the SFA to replace Steven Pressley in Scotland’s new coaching set-up.
McAllister, who made 57 appearances for his country, has been identified by manager George Burley as a possible addition to his backroom staff for the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, according to SFA chief executive Gordon Smith.
"I know that George was going to speak with him so I don't know what's happening in that respect," Smith said.
"I think he would be a very respected member of the staff but it is up to George Burley himself who he selects.
"George has total autonomy on who he brings in as a coach, and if he wants to bring in Gary, and Gary is happy to come in, then we will go forward on that basis."
Burley is eager to appoint former Liverpool legend McAllister, before the upcoming friendly against Japan on October 10th. He will fill the post vacated by Pressley last week, after Scotland failed to qualify for the World Cup finals.
Pressley and assistant manager Terry Butcher were appointed to the national team set-up shortly after Burley was named Scotland manager in early 2008.
Former England defender Butcher has been retained by Burley, but will be unavailable for the Far East trip due to his managerial commitments with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
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Gary Parkinson is a freelance writer, editor, trainer, muso, singer, actor and coach. He spent 14 years at FourFourTwo as the Global Digital Editor and continues to regularly contribute to the magazine and website, including major features on Euro 96, Subbuteo, Robert Maxwell and the inside story of Liverpool's 1990 title win. He is also a Bolton Wanderers fan.