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Saturday, 1 December 2007, 10:19 GMT

Davies would commit to Scotland

Billy Davies Billy Davies has told the SFA he would be willing to put his club managerial career on hold for five years to become the new Scotland boss.

Davies was sacked by Derby County on Monday, the same week Alex McLeish left his post as manager of the national team to take over at Birmingham City.

"I would be prepared to devote five years of my life to the team," Davies told the Daily Record.

"It's important the SFA and fans are shown a level of commitment."

Former Motherwell and Preston manager Davies guided Derby into the Barclays Premier League but departed with the club at the foot of the table.

"The job needs a man who's seen it, done it and bought the t-shirt"
Billy Davies

And McLeish's departure from the Scotland job has seen a string of out-of-work managers linked with the job although former Scotland midfielder Gary McAllister has ruled himself out.

"I was flattered and proud to hear my name mentioned in connection with the job and the next manager has to be a long-term appointment," Davies added.

"I wouldn't be put off by the nine-month wait for our next competitive match, because I don't believe the national manager's job begins and ends with the national team.

"There should be an input into youth development and coaching courses as part of the commitment to your country before all else.

"I also believe the SFA are going down the right road by saying the next manager should be Scottish."

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Would Billy Davies be the right choice for Scotland boss?

McLeish joined predecessor Walter Smith in returning to club football after short spells at the Scotland helm.

"I'm an admirer of what Walter and Alex did with the national team and I'm in no way blaming them for returning to club football," he said.

"They have left a very good squad of players behind who have put pride back in the country.

"The job needs a man who's seen it, done it and bought the t-shirt, but you don't need to have played international football to do the job and age is immaterial.

"I'm roughly the same age as Slaven Bilic, the Croatia manager, and he's not doing too badly is he?"



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Related to this story:

Chick Young's view (30 Nov 07 |  Scotland )
Davies ready to discuss Scots job (27 Nov 07 |  Football )
Scotland begin successor search (29 Nov 07 |  Internationals )
McLeish leaves Scotland for Blues (27 Nov 07 |  Football )

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