Walter Smith rules himself out of Scotland job

Walter Smith has ruled himself out of the running to become the new Scotland manager.

The former Rangers boss is understood to have met with Scottish football's governing body about the role, but has decided against returning for a second spell in charge.

The 69-year-old was believed to be high on Scottish FA's list to take over after Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill rejected an approach last month.

The national team have been without a manager since Gordon Strachan left the role in October last year, after failing to reach a major tournament in his five years in charge.

A return for Smith had been seen as a controversial choice for some following his exit from his first reign, when in 2007 he stepped down from the role to take charge of Rangers after Frenchman Paul Le Guen's turbulent spell in charge.

This is another blow dealt to the Scottish FA as interim Chief Executive Andrew McKinlay handed in his resignation yesterday to take up a similar job with Scottish Golf - just a week after Stewart Regan stepped down.

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