History of the Scotland national football team left Scotland managerless with just over two months until the next matches against Georgia and Italy. Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish was hotly tipped and supported by Alex Ferguson to become the new manager, although long-term Scotland assistant manager Tommy Burns was also thought to be in the running. McLeish was appointed while Burns was not even approached, which caused Burns to resign from his position. Alex McLeish was appointed Scotland manager on 29 January 2007, and he hired Roy Aitken and Andy Watson as his assistants. McLeish's first match in charge was a UEFA Euro 2008 qualifier against Georgia
Alex Burns (footballer) Alex Burns (footballer) Alexander Burns (born 4 August 1973) is a Scottish footballer, who played for Motherwell, Almelo, Livingston, Partick Thistle and Southend United, among other teams. He retired as a football player and is now a Police community support officer. Burns began his career with junior club Shotts Bon Accord, before joining Motherwell F.C. in 1991. After 6 years with the Lanarkshire side, he had a spell with Dutch side Almelo. He returned to Britain a year later, signing for English side Southend United F.C. He returned to Scotland in 1999, joining Raith Rovers F.C. Burns then joined Livingston