Scotland managed to scrape a draw in last night's friendly without the help of a permanent manager. Billy Stark was in charge for the game and he could be a contender for the post on a full-time basis. SFA Chief Executive, Stewart Regan took the opportunity of being out of the Scottish media spotlight when in Luxembourg to discus with fellow Office Bearers how to go about recruiting a new national team manager. Campbell Ogilvie, SFA President, and the vice-presidents, Alan McRae and Rod Petrie were on hand to discuss options. Regan confirmed that Billy Stark will stay in post throughout the process as the Board have been impressed by the manner in which the under-21 coach has undertaken his new responsibilities, which included the 2-1 win against Luxembourg last night. The Board, which also includes Ralph Topping, Tom Johnston and Barrie Jackson, will now consider all the available options before compiling a shortlist and, ultimately, confirming the appointment of a permanent National Coach in time for the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 Qualifier against Wales at Hampden on 22 March, 2013, if not sooner. Scotland are next in action in February next year against Estonia at Pittodrie.
Regan said: "The Scottish FA Office Bearers met in Luxembourg to discuss the next steps in the process to identify and appoint a new National Coach. Firstly, on behalf of the Board I would like to express my gratitude for the professional manner in which Billy Stark has undertaken the role of Interim National Coach. As well as providing a much-needed victory, Billy has impressed us greatly by the way he has conducted himself in the role. The Board is committed to confirming a permanent appointment in enough time to prepare for the next FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 Qualifying match, against Wales at Hampden Park in March next year. In the meantime, we will work through a list of potential candidates and arrive at a short-list, from which we will establish a preferred candidate and, finally, appoint the new Scotland National Coach. We will carry out this process as thoroughly and as efficiently as possible. We are committed to appointing the best Scotland National Coach possible and will take the necessary time to achieve that objective. The current welter of media speculation and the number of interested parties highlight the attraction of the role of rejuvenating the fortunes of the national team. I can assure the Scotland supporters the Board of the Scottish FA are focused on appointing a National Coach who can restore our respectability and status in the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and lead us to qualification for the UEFA European Championships in 2016."