McGhee in talks with Scotland
Wednesday, 16 Jan 2008 15:11
Motherwell give permission for SFA to talk to manager Mark McGhee
Motherwell have revealed that permission has been given for the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to speak to manager Mark McGhee.
McGhee is one of five men who were on the SFA's shortlist to replace former national team coach Alex McLeish, who quit to take charge of English Premier League side
Birmingham City last November.
Former
Derby County manager Billy Davies has already ruled himself out of the running, leaving McGhee and three others - out-of-work Graeme Souness, Celtic coach Tommy Burns and Southampton boss George Burley - to fight it out.
McGhee looks to be the narrow favourite so far and Motherwell owner John Boyle today revealed he has "reluctantly agreed" to allow his manager to speak to the SFA.
"Mark and I had a very constructive and amicable meeting," Boyle said.
"He is on a three-year contract with the club. He is happy here and is looking forward to the rest of the season at Fir Park."
Boyle added that the club are "very keen to keep him" and that "a range of proposals", which may include a delay in taking charge of Scotland to a temporary dual role, had been offered to him.
"Understandably, he wants to hear what the SFA has to say but he has made it clear publicly and to the club that he would not want to let us down," Boyle added.