A “deeply disappointed” Brian McClair has left the Scottish Football Association, with his employers suggesting the former Manchester United player and coach was toiling to get to grips with his performance director role.
McClair was appointed in February 2015 and was tasked with implementing the governing body’s strategy to maximise football talent at all ages.
He and Scotland boss Gordon Strachan were due to present a blueprint for the way forward for the national game but the 52-year-old will no longer play a part in shaping the future of Scotland’s national sport at grassroots level.
Courier Sport understands that there will be no swift replacement appointment as the SFA will assess the remit of the post and possibly redefine it.
McClair said: “I can confirm that I will leave my position as performance director.
“I am deeply disappointed that I couldn’t make a significant difference, but I would like to thank my staff for the help they have given me and the board for the opportunity.
“I would also like to wish my successor all the best in the future in their efforts to develop the environment for the young talent that Scotland deserves.”
McClair, who enjoyed a successful playing career with Celtic, Manchester United and Scotland, was previously director of the Old Trafford club’s Youth Academy.
SFA Chief executive Stewart Regan said McClair’s position wasn’t “comfortable or tenable”.
He added: “I would like to thank Brian for his time as performance director.
“I am really disappointed that we have parted company after a year, but the complexities of the role cannot be overestimated.
“While his experience of developing talent over a sustained period of time at Manchester United was a major attribute, being performance director requires a different style of leadership and focus.
“As performance director, he found himself spending more time lobbying and presenting in the boardroom. It became apparent that this was neither a comfortable nor tenable situation in the long term. I would like to reiterate my thanks to Brian for his efforts and wish him the best of luck in the future.”
The SFA say a working group, headed by Alistair Gray, will continue to meet to discuss changes to enhance elite performance.
