McClair puts focus on consensus

BRIAN McCLAIR signalled a consensual approach to his new role as he was introduced as the man to shape the future of Scottish football.

McClair will take over as Scottish Football Association performance director on June 1 after being selected as the successor to Mark Wotte, who quit in October last year.

Dutchman Wotte was not universally admired by the clubs he worked with, and he recently gave an insight into the frustration he felt in his three years in the role when he warned that Scottish football was in danger of going backwards unless more youth coaches focused on developing individuals rather than winning.

McClair will still be working towards the goals set out in the SFA’s Scotland United: a 2020 Vision document, which set out a pathway to elite player development focused on performance schools.

But the former Scotland international will be given licence to instigate changes in approach and he will look to take the clubs with him on his journey.

McClair, who will leave his role as head of Manchester United's youth academy, said: “We have to look at all the things that were put in place and review that and decide where to take it forward from there.

“I can’t say I’m going to change something if I can’t say exactly how it works at the moment.

“We have to do things together. There has to be relationships and agreement about what everyone would like.

“We should all try and push and pull in the same direction. Football is such a fantastic sport that you are never going to agree with everyone on everything but if you can get a consensus, then that should work for the greater good.”

The former Celtic and Motherwell player will put the focus on enjoyment.

“I’ve been very, very fortunate to be employed at Manchester United for nearly 25 years now but the enthusiasm, drive and the opportunity was too much for me to turn down,” the 51-year-old said.

“I want to enjoy myself. Irrespective of what it is, it should be fun. That’s in the front page of the document we produced at Manchester United. We want the child to be at the centre of everything and we want them to have fun.”

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has cleared McClair to introduce changes.

“It’s important Brian can review what he likes and suggests areas to improve and develop,” he said.

Picture: SNS. SFA chief executive Stewart Regan, right, and Scotland manager Gordon Strachan join Brian McClair, centre, as he is announced as the new performance director.