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Scotland: Stuart McCall named in Gordon Strachan's backroom team

By Brian McLauchlinBBC Scotland

Last updated on .From the section Footballcomments64

Motherwell manager and Scotland assistant coach Stuart McCall

Motherwell boss Stuart McCall has been confirmed as the latest recruit to Scotland manager Gordon Strachan's backroom staff.

McCall made 40 appearances for Scotland as a midfielder and scored at the 1990 World Cup finals in Italy.

Mark McGhee was last week named as Strachan's assistant.

And now McCall has been added to the coaching set-up, with the 48-year-old saying he is "honoured" to be Scotland's new assistant coach.

"Anyone who knows me, other than my accent, I'm 100 per cent committed to Scotland," he said.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan
Former Celtic and Middlesbrough boss Strachan has replaced Craig Levein as Scotland manager

"I played against Gordon and came across him but I don't really know him that well, the same with Mark, but we had a good relaxed chat when we met up on Monday night.

"I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be anywhere near the national set-up and it came out of the blue.

"I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with good players and to be involved in the set-up.

"And not only that, to work under both Gordon and Mark, who are both experienced managers and coaches, it will benefit myself, and seeing good players up close, even the opposition as well.

"I'm enthusiastic and passionate, certainly about my football and especially anything to do with Scotland."

Strachan has signed a contract that will cover the remainder of the current World Cup qualifying campaign and the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

And the new manager feels McCall typifies the "classic Scotland international player".

"He was passionate and combative but he was also hugely influential and inspirational," Strachan the Scottish Football Association website.

"He has done a tremendous job at Motherwell and his knowledge of the game, and especially his knowledge of the Scottish scene, will be invaluable.

"I am excited about working with Mark and Stuart and I am sure the players will benefit from their coaching experience."

Fir Park chief executive Leeann Dempster says the club are "delighted that Stuart's success with Motherwell has been recognised by his invitation to join the Scotland national team coaching staff".

"We are sure his experiences of international football will complement his excellent contribution to Motherwell's ongoing ambitions," she added.

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64 comments

  • Comment posted by U14277922, at 21:22 24 Jan 2013

    It was always meant to be.

    http://www.myspace.com/video/daniel/king-stuart-mccall/1588528

  • Comment posted by U14097593, at 20:35 25 Jan 2013

    What's it like to lose an argument with yourself ?

    YAWN

  • Comment posted by U15147180, at 16:23 24 Jan 2013

    Becchio hands in transfer request at Leeds, Grayson sacked at Huddersfield, McCall's career takes a boost and The Bantams are going to Wembley. A fantastic week for West Yorkshire football!
    ctid

  • Comment posted by RobNox, at 22:13 24 Jan 2013

    For those criticising McGhee in terms of managerial ability, please bear in mind he's only there to assist Strachan, as is McCall. Strachan will ultimately make the calls, but hopefully the three of them can complement one another.

    They are all passionate Scots (despite McCall's accent) and if they can transfer that passion onto the players, we might have a chance of success.

  • Comment posted by stringerbell, at 20:38 24 Jan 2013

    Congrats Stuart :)

  • Comment posted by U15589185, at 16:13 24 Jan 2013

    Great news Stuart, a bonus 2 the new set up

  • Comment posted by U14747216, at 21:36 25 Jan 2013

    #61
    Wallace..he had one 5 minute spell where he looked average...
    Templeton..when he played with an SPL team against f-time pro's

    Both have lost the habit now..in a comfort zone against p-time players..sorry but it really is about playing at a decent level..

    Next you'll be telling me that Pollock Juniors have a fantastic striker who should be capped:)

  • Comment posted by edinburgh, at 10:07 25 Jan 2013

    @48 ludicrous statement! Motherwell 'punching above their weight' (consistent top six + european campaigns) has everything to do with the managers and their ability to make prudent signings as well as develop the seemingly steady crop of young talent coming through.

    Butcher, McGhee, Brown and McCall all successful at what appears to be a well run club. Solid appointments by wee Gordon.

  • Comment posted by whitew, at 08:55 25 Jan 2013

    I think its a poor decision. McCall is very overrated managing a Motherwell team that has punched above its weight over the last 2 years.

    I think McGhee was a poor decision as well, what has he ever done as a manager. Oh yes, he was also overrated at Motherwell but has done hee haw ever since.

  • Comment posted by Pimlican, at 23:26 24 Jan 2013

    Signs that Scotland may be beginning again. Great news for them and BRING BACK THE HOME INTERNATIONALS!

  • Comment posted by U12525194, at 22:46 24 Jan 2013

    28 cienfuegos - Hopefully he does pick his players based on nationality though, unlike a certain other manager that would pick League One nobodies with a Scottish grandmother over genuine Scottish players!

  • Comment posted by 1plus1 is 2, at 22:44 24 Jan 2013

    good news for scotland!

  • Comment posted by U14326745, at 22:32 24 Jan 2013

    #28
    There's not even any suggestion that he has or will exclude anyone on that basis. Never any reason to suggest that he is that kind of guy which makes it strange that you raise it.

    I'm sure he'll pick division 3 players as well!

  • Comment posted by U15554615, at 20:37 24 Jan 2013

    Good luck to the triumvirate. Strachan is a great appointment, and I doubt player motivation will ever be an issue under his watch. The only way is up.

  • Comment posted by cienfuegos, at 20:19 24 Jan 2013

    Gordon Strachan has approx 7 months to get a decent squad together for what should be a good game against England. I reckon he could pull it off.

  • Comment posted by Big G, at 18:32 24 Jan 2013

    23.raygrant
    Surely Scotland wont go into liduidation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Comment posted by Football_understand, at 17:57 24 Jan 2013

    McGhee was a shocking manager and is almost as bad an appointment as levein with having him on the management team, McCall has done brilliant with no resource at motherwell developing a good team of mainly young lads and has the potential (like malky mackay) to manage a bigger club

  • Comment posted by The Matelot, at 17:39 24 Jan 2013

    Its about time they got a Rangers man in to help steer a dodgy ship

  • Comment posted by Paddy_The_Jock, at 17:34 24 Jan 2013

    We've got the change of manager we all wanted. Wee Gordan has brought in some experienced heads to bounce ideas off. Whether or not we like them, why not just wait until they've had a few games under the belt, and we've seen how the new set up looks before we pass judgement? I don't know if it will work or not, but hope for the best with them, and they have my full support. Good luck lads!

  • Comment posted by cienfuegos, at 17:26 24 Jan 2013

    Did well as a player/captain. Doing well at Motherwell, he's a decent guy and I think a beneficial appointment.

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