The news that Malky Mackay is in the running for the role of Performance Director for the Scottish FA has been greeted with shock by more than a few football fans.
Former Celtic and Norwich defender Mackay has been out of work since being relieved of his duties as Wigan manager in 2015, and the Daily Record reports that he is ‘leading the race’ to succeed Brian McClair in the role.
Others on the six-man shortlist include John Collins, the ex-Bhoys midfielder who scored during Scotland’s last major tournament appearance in 1998.
But fans have plenty of reservations, most of them to do with the scandal which engulfed Mackay shortly after his dismissal by Cardiff City.
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Mackay left his role in South Wales in late 2013, and a series of racist, sexist and homophobic texts between the Scot and colleague Iain Moody were later uncovered by Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan.
Mackay and Moody ultimately faced no FA action following an 11-month investigation into the messages, though fans continue to have reservations about the thought of the 44-year-old being handed such a high-profile role.
I was no fan of Hugh Dallas, but he was sacked after a campaign, for emailing a joke. Now the SFA are going to employ Malky Mackay..!!
— taximan2002 (@taximan2002) November 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/SuperN7RFC/status/800317111818158080
Should be given a powerful and well paid job within our game. Otherwise it makes the SFA's equality and diversity pledges look hollow
— Duncan McKay (@DuncMcKay) November 20, 2016
Jesus fucking Christ. Being a racist no impediment to a job at the SFA? Cracking stuff https://t.co/frRJYOKb8P
— bamelie (@spacegirlgail) November 20, 2016
The Scottish FA recently announced its decision to continue to support national team coach Gordon Strachan following a poor run of form. At the time of writing it has made no comment on Mackay being linked with the performance director role.
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