Gordon Strachan realises his dream job as Scotland manager

Gordon Strachan is unveiled at Hampden Park (Getty Images)

Gordon Strachan spoke of a 40-year football journey ending in pride today after he was named the new Scotland manager.

The former Coventry, Southampton, Celtic and Middlesbrough manager was confirmed in the post by the Scottish Football Association before a lunchtime press conference at Hampden Park.

The 55-year-old has been out of management since leaving Boro in October 2010 but he has realised a long-held dream with a contract that will take him through to the 2016 European Championship qualifiers.

"I am very proud of myself but my family, my wife, mother, grandchildren, children and my friends are very proud so it shows you how important the Scotland job is," he said. "It is probably 40 years to get here.

"When I was a kid I wanted to play for Scotland and I did that. Then I started coaching and I thought 'I want to be Scotland manager some day' so I have achieved that with the help of a lot of people and players."