Brian McClair leaves Scottish FA performance director role

Brian McClair has left his role as the Scottish Football Association's performance director by mutual consent.

The former Celtic, Manchester United and Scotland forward only took on the role in 2015 having spent almost a decade in charge of United's football academy.

Scotland were the only home nation not to qualify for Euro 2016 and the Scottish FA board is keen to make changes.

"I can confirm that I will leave my position as performance director," McClair told the SFA's official website.

"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."

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan thanked the 52-year-old for his efforts and admitted the role had not entirely suited McClair.

 "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," he said.

"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".