Former Rangers boss Walter Smith set for Scotland talks after SFA panel make him their top target to replace Gordon Strachan
The 69-year-old has been out of management since leaving Gers seven years ago but has not given any guarantees he will take the job
WALTER SMITH is prepared to talk to the SFA about a sensational return as Scotland boss.
But he has not given any guarantees he would take the job.
SunSport can reveal the 69-year-old was last night approached by under-fire SFA president Alan McRae about a stunning comeback.
Smith has been out of football for seven years since quitting Rangers.
But the SFA have put together a three-man sub-committee to find a successor to Gordon Strachan and Smith has emerged as their top target.
It’s understood a tentative approach was made late last week to determine if he would be interested.
Smith made it clear he was happily retired, but that he’d be prepared to listen to what they had to say out of respect.
McRae has now moved to open talks, but faces a major task persuading the Gers legend that he’s the man to lead the Tartan Army to its first major finals since 1998. After Stewart Regan’s high-profile exit last week, McRae has been left to pursue the next boss along with SFA board members Rod Petrie and Ian Maxwell.
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It’s understood up to EIGHT people could be under consideration for the post, which was snubbed by Michael O’Neill.
Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke is likely to be among them, but Smith has emerged as the leading contender.
Scotland fans were angered by Smith’s decision to quit the national job in 2007 to return to Ibrox. But SunSport columnist Jim Duffy insisted yesterday Smith is the obvious choice.
Current Gers boss Graeme Murty cannot understand why the SFA have taken so long to move for Smith.
Murty, who played under Smith for Scotland, said: “I’m not surprised. I think Walter Smith is an outstanding candidate for any job that comes up.
“If anything I am a little surprised it’s taken them this long.
But I am not surprised his name has been thrown in the hat, and if he does take the job he will have everyone’s backing from this club because he is an absolute legend for Scotland and Rangers.
“If he does return he will get the full backing of everyone that knows him, and it will be a good move.
“Walter Smith has an aura about him. In my experience of playing for him his knowledge of the game is vast, and I am hopeful he would be a success if he took it.”
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