McLeish successor search begins

The Scottish Football Association has begun its search for a new manager after Alex McLeish's resignation.

McLeish, 48, is likely to be confirmed as manager of English Premeir League club Birmingham at a news conference on Wednesday morning.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith said it would discuss the way forward at a board meeting the same day.

Former Derby County boss Billy Davies and Gary McAllister have emerged as early contenders to succeed McLeish.

Interview: Former Derby boss Billy Davies

McLeish was contracted to Scotland until 2010, but Smith said the SFA was powerless to stop big clubs from approaching the national coach.

"We'd like to tie these people up but even a contract doesn't matter that much when a really attractive club comes in," he said.

"There's no major game until next year but I would like to get someone in place before that.

"There will be names mentioned along the way and we'll have a look at those in the coming days and make a decision after that."

Smith added: "It's one of those things. It's market forces these days, and the Premier League is where lots of guys want to be."

Davies, who left Derby last week, is the only candidate to have expressed an interest in the Scotland job.

The 43-year-old told BBC Sport: "The Scotland job is one you don't apply for - the SFA know exactly who they want to put in place and the type of man they're looking for.

"You'd be flattered if you can get your name down for it, but everybody in Scotland would want to manage the national team and that would always be the case."

Source: BBC Sport