GRAEME SOUNESS TODAY ruled himself out of contention for the vacant post of Scotland manager, saying the job should go to fellow ex-international Joe Jordan.
The Scottish Football Association have been on the lookout for a new manager since sacking Craig Levein after the former Scotland defender presided over a run of just three wins in 12 competitive matches in charge.
Scotland are currently bottom of their qualifying group for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, having not played in the finals of a major championship since the 1998 edition in France. Former Liverpool and Rangers manager Souness was on a four-man shortlist for the position when Levein’s predecessor George Burley was appointed to the role.
But Souness, an outstanding midfielder in the trophy-winning Liverpool teams of the late 1970s and 1980s, said he had no interest in getting the Scotland job this time around.
“No, it’s not for me,” Souness said at a Hall of Fame event at Glasgow’s Hampden Park today. ”I’m older, not necessarily wiser, but I’m certainly older and I just feel it’s not for me at this time. It’s not something I would consider.”
Instead he suggested the SFA opt for former Scotland striker Joe Jordan, best known since retiring as a player for his work as an assistant manager under Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur.
“I think your man is Joe Jordan. He would be my choice if I was making the decision,” said Souness. ”He’s an obvious candidate. Everyone knows the passion that Joe showed when he was a player. He would be perfect. He fits the bill.
“He’s knowledgeable, he has worked at the highest level, played at the highest level and is extremely passionate. He’s your man.”
Gordon Strachan, the former Celtic boss who also managed in the English Premier League at Coventry and Southampton, has emerged as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Levein. And Souness was in no doubt of the former Aberdeen, Manchester United and Scotland midfielder’s credentials.
“He’s another real genuine candidate. In fact, him and Joe would be the outstanding candidates.”
