GORDON STRACHAN says the memories of his time as Scotland boss will live with him forever.
Over the course of his time as Scotland manager, the national side failed to qualify for three tournaments, including the latest agonising end to the World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
Out of 40 games, he won 19, drew 9 and lost 12.
Appointed in 2013, Strachan was tasked with getting Scotland to a major tournament for the first time since 1998.
He took over a side languishing at the bottom of the 2014 World Cup qualifying group and faced a huge task to get Scotland to Brazil.
They finished fourth in the group with three wins (all under Strachan), two draws and five defeats.
He was given a clean slate for his first full campaign but in Euro 2016 qualifying Scotland again finished fourth in their group. They put in some good performances but couldn’t get the results when needed.
A timeline of results under Strachan
A poor start to the World Cup 2018 qualifiers had many calling for Strachan to go.
But he defied his critics, leading Scotland to six games unbeaten after the heavy defeat at Wembley.
This included a draw against the Auld Enemy at Hampden – which should really have been a win.
Strachan needed a win against Slovenia on the final day, but a poor performance led to a draw and it was the same old agonising story of so close, yet so far.
On his departure, Strachan 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.
“Together we have shared some really magical moments and those memories will live with me for ever.”
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