Ex-England forward tips former Blackpool and Birmingham City teammate for vacant international role
Kevin Phillips has backed his former Blackpool teammate for the vacant Scotland job.
Former Blackpool boss Barry Ferguson has been tipped as the perfect candidate to take over as Scotland head coach following Steve Clarke’s exit.
It’s been over a year since the 48-year-old stepped foot in the dugout, after spending four month in interim charge of Rangers at the back end of last season.
This proved to be a full circle moment for the retired midfielder - who had started his playing at Ibrox, with 409 appearances coming his way for the Gers across two spells.
Ferguson also spent time in England as a player, representing the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City and the Seasiders.
Alongside 86 appearances in Tangerine, a spell at Bloomfield Road also offered the ex-Scotland international his first coaching opportunity, taking caretaker charge of the club following the sacking of Paul Ince in 2014.
Since then, he’s also managed Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa Athletic north of the border.
Ex-Blackpool man backed to take on Scotland job
Kevin Phillips, who scored 19 times in 65 outings during a stint on the Fylde Coast spent time with Ferguson at two of his former clubs, and believes he would be the perfect man to take over the Scotland job on the back of their World Cup group stage exit.
“I know Barry very well from Birmingham and Blackpool,” he told Best Betting Sites.
“Great character, a winner, a leader, and I think that’s the type of person that you need in charge of Scotland after the disappointment of getting knocked out in the World Cup.
“Steve (Clarke) did a brilliant job, but maybe it is a chance for someone like Barry, with his background.
“He’s got the respect because he’s been there, seen it, and done it. He’s managed as an interim at Rangers and Blackpool as well, so he’s got experience of managing.
“I think if you install someone like that straight away, the nation will get behind him because he’s one of their own.
“Everyone knows what Barry’s like, and he was a top footballer, and he will get the best out of his players for sure. He’ll demand 100% every time.
“And, why not? Give him an opportunity. He’s 48-years of age. He’s the right type of age. So I think the nation would get behind him. I think it’d be refreshing to see someone like Barry in charge.”