Alex McLeish believes fate – not to mention the influence of former Aberdeen manager Sir Alex Ferguson – has played its part in him becoming Scotland manager for the second time.
The 59-year-old, who had a 10-game stint in charge of the national team in 2007, has been another chance to succeed where he failed in 2007 by leading the nation back to the finals of a major tournament.
It has been 20 years since Scotland last graced a tournament finals with Craig Brown taking the helm for the World Cup finals in France in 1998.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill turned down the chance to replace Gordon Strachan and McLeish knows he is lucky to get another go after signing a two-year deal.
He said: “I see it as fate. I see that as it was meant to happen and I have got to make the most of that.
“Michael turned it down and I thought ‘oh, wait a minute, it’s not over yet’.
“When Michael went in for talks I thought he would take it because it is, after all, a fantastic job and we are a fantastic nation and Michael lives in this country.
“But he turned it down for his own reasons and that gave me a chance to get in the door.”
McLeish revealed he had the backing of his former Aberdeen boss Ferguson, adding: “I always speak to Fergie – sorry, Sir Alex – about football matters. He’s a very influential man. He’s probably had a word with Alan (McRae, SFA president) and recommended me.
“I was having lunch with him a couple of weeks ago and he felt it was a great time and a great chance for me.”
McRae backed McLeish’s assertion about Ferguson when he said: “Alex was a natural leader as both a player and a coach. He comes here endorsed by Sir Alex Ferguson, who was most helpful in the recruitment.”
McLeish’s appointment is not overwhelmingly popular among Scottish football fans with some of the Tartan Army still unhappy that his first stint ended with him walking away to take over at Birmingham City.
However, the former Rangers boss, who will now prepare for friendlies against Costa Rica and Hungary next month, believes he can win them over.
He said: “I thought would it never happen again for me, because of leaving.
“I understand the divide in the support but I believe I’m the right man. I have to prove them wrong. That’s what I’m here to do – to get them behind me – and the only way I can do that is by getting this team winning.”
Time to get started, page 55