Gordon Strachan to leave role as Scotland manager

The 60-year-old's departure comes after Scotland failed to qualify for next year's World Cup, having finished third in Group F behind England and Slovakia.

Scotland's 2-2 draw with Slovenia in the final round of qualifiers saw Slovakia pip them to the runner-up spot on goal difference.

A superior goal difference would not have secured a play-off spot for Scotland however, though many pointed towards dropped points at home to England and Lithuania as a reason for their failure to reach Russia.

Strachan 's assistant Mark McGhee will also leave his post.

Quoted on the Scottish FA's website, Strachan, who had been in the role since January 2013, 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.

The Scottish FA's current performance director - and former Watford, Cardiff and Wigan manager - Malky Mackay has been installed as favourite ahead of David Moyes to take on the job.