The Scottish FA announces that Brian McClair has left his role as Performance Director by mutual consent.

We would like to thank him for his efforts in the past 13 months and wish him the best of luck for the future.

The Performance Working Group has met in recent months to discuss and debate proposals and recommendations to improve elite talent development in Scottish football. This working group will remain in place and be chaired in the interim period by Alistair Gray, the founding director of strategic management consultants Renaissance and Co, who has been immersed in the performance strategy since its inception.

The Board of the Scottish FA is committed to implementing changes to enhance elite performance.

Brian McClair: “I can confirm that I will leave my position as Performance Director. I am deeply disappointed that I couldn’t make a significant difference, but I would like to thank my staff for the help they have given me and the board for the opportunity.

“I would also like to wish my successor all the best in the future in their efforts to develop the environment for the young talent that Scotland deserves.”

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive: “I would like to thank Brian for his time as Performance Director. I am really disappointed that we have parted company after a year, but the complexities of the role cannot be overestimated. While his experience of developing talent over a sustained period of time at Manchester United was a major attribute, being Performance Director requires a different style of leadership and focus.

“As Performance Director, he found himself spending more time lobbying and presenting in the boardroom. It became apparent that this was neither a comfortable nor tenable situation in the long term. I would like to reiterate my thanks to Brian for his efforts and wish him the best of luck in the future”.