Malky Mackay to take charge of Scotland for friendly against Netherlands at Pittodrie

SCOTLAND are set to take on the Netherlands at Pittodrie in November.

Malky Mackay will take temporary charge of the national side for the friendly against the Dutch, who also failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

The match will take place in Aberdeen on Thursday November 9.

Scotland last played the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, losing both matches.

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to bring international football back to the north east and are excited to once again welcome the Dutch national team to Scottish soil.

“While Pittodrie is not able to host competitive Scotland matches, this friendly provides a fantastic opportunity to bring international football to an abundance of Scotland fans based in the north.

“Though we are disappointed not to have qualified for the World Cup play-offs, the work begins now to prepare the team for next year’s UEFA Nations League tournament.

“The Netherlands will provide a stern test for the team and top class entertainment value for the fans.”

SCOTLAND | Aberdeen to host Scotland v Netherlands in an International Challenge Match on Thursday 9 November: https://t.co/T64kJHp2JX pic.twitter.com/Cf060rTwcb

— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) October 13, 2017

The national side are without a manager after Gordon Strachan’s departure earlier this week.

Mackay is one of the favourites to take over permanently, with David Moyes, Sam Allardyce and Alex McLeish also linked with the job.

Ex-Celtic defender Mackay is currently the SFA’s performance director, having managed Watford, Cardiff and Wigan.

He was at the centre of a leaked text message scandal in 2014, admitting sending messages that were ‘disrespectful.’

A series of homophobic, sexist and discriminatory messages had been sent between Mackay and Cardiff head of recruitment Iain Moody.

His reputation was badly damaged, but he managed to land his role at the SFA last December.

SFA begin search for new Scotland manager after departure of Gordon Strachan

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Scotland finished third in Group F behind Slovakia on goal difference with a 2-2 draw in Slovenia on Sunday seeing them fall just short, but a run of six unbeaten qualifiers led to calls for Strachan to carry on the momentum.

However, the governing body said that board members “agreed that a new national coach should be recruited to provide fresh impetus” and the announcement suggested the decision was mutual. Strachan’s assistant Mark McGhee also left with immediate effect.

Scotland have not qualified for the finals of a major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France but with over a year to go before the 2020 European Championship qualifying campaign begins, the SFA have plenty time to select Strachan’s successor.