Gordon Strachan has left his post as Scotland manager after the failure to reach the World Cup 2018 play-offs.

The 60-year old’s contract comes to an end next month and the Scottish FA will not renew his deal.

Instead, a new manager will be sought to lead the country into the Nations League and Euro 2020 qualifiers.

In a statement, a spokesman for the governing body said: “The board of the Scottish FA and Gordon Strachan have agreed that the Scotland national team will be led by a new head coach in preparation for the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.

ADVERT

“Gordon’s tenure will end with immediate effect along with that of his assistant coach, Mark McGhee.

“We are grateful to Gordon for the passion, professionalism and commitment demonstrated since his appointment in January 2013.”

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA chief executive, said: “On behalf of the board I would like to thank Gordon for his excellent service to the national team.

“I know how disappointed he was that we couldn’t secure a play-off place but to come so close was a tribute to the belief he instilled in his squad.

ADVERT

“After almost five years the board felt it was time for a new direction to prepare for the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign and also the forthcoming UEFA Nations League.

“We are grateful to both Gordon and Mark for their efforts and wish them the best of luck in the future.”

Strachan said: “I said on my first day as Scotland manager that it was the proudest moment of my career and that I wanted to put a smile back on the nation’s face again.

“I share the profound disappointment at missing out on the play-offs, especially having worked so hard to fight our way back into contention.

“The players should receive immense credit for that resilience in coming back from a difficult start and I would like to thank each and every player who has come in to represent their country.”

He added: “Together we have shared some really magical moments and those memories will live with me for ever.

“Of course, what made those moments special was the unwavering support of our fans. Through highs and lows you have stayed with the team and my biggest regret is not being able to provide the finals tournament you deserve.

ADVERT

“I would like to thank the board, the backroom staff and everyone at the Scottish FA for the help and support they have given me as national coach. It has been a real privilege.”

Strachan replaced Craig Levein as manager in January 2013 and initially stabilised the team’s fortunes before raising hopes with some promising early results in Euro 2016 qualifying.

The team failed to reach the finals in France after losing to Georgia and Germany and drawing with Poland in the final stages of 2015.

The campaign to qualify for World Cup 2018 started poorly, with a return of just four points from the first 12 available.

That raised questions over his future but after a five-hour board meeting the Scottish FA said they believed Strachan was the man to turn around the team’s fortunes.

Results improved, with Scotland going on a run of six competitive matches unbeaten and 14 points taken from a possible 18.

A draw in the final qualifier against Slovenia meant the side narrowly missed out on the play-offs and Strachan refused to answer questions on his future in the immediate aftermath of the match.

In his 40 games in charge, Scotland won 19, drew nine and lost 12.