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Jackie McNamara has emerged as a contender to become the next SFA chief-executive.

The former Celtic defender has been chief-executive at English National League club York City since 2016.

According to reports, the 44-year-old forms part of a four-person shortlist including ex-Rangers star Dave MacKinnon, Hibs chief Leeann Dempster and former First Minister Henry McLeish.

(Image: Reuters)

McNamara has moved into the frame after acting chief-executive Andrew McKinlay quite to take up a new role at Scottish Golf.

McKinlay had stepped in following Stewart Regan's resignation from the post in the aftermath of the Michael O'Neill debacle.

Former Scotland cap McNamara expressed some sympathy with Regan in the aftermath of his exit, suggesting perceived performance in the role was measured against the national team's performance on the pitch.

He said: “Everything depends on results. If Gordon Strachan had got Scotland over the line and we’d qualified for Russia no one would have given him (Regan) stick.

“It does not matter how good a chief-executive is in their job.

“They could be the best chief executive ever in the history of Scotland but if we do not qualify, then the first port of call is the manager and then it filters down."