WHY THE RUSH? says RONNIE CULLY

IT seems unimaginable that George Burley will be allowed to continue in situ after failing even to get Scotland into second place in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

But given that we won't be playing a competitive game until next autumn when the Euro 2012 qualifiers kick off, there's no need to rush into finding the next manager.

Fact is, there are very few obvious - and available - candidates. So it would be wise to use this time to assess all the options.

Next month's friendly in Japan carries no importance now. It appears highly unlikely many first-choice players will want to play, especially with their clubs in the middle of vital league, cup and European ties.

Let Burley use the trip to sign off, then start the hunt for his successor, using the winter months when we have no games scheduled to recruit the man we need to provide the fresh start our country needs. START NOW says THOMAS JORDAN

GEORGE BURLEY has been at the helm of a hugely disappointing campaign.

In the end, we finished third in the group and that just isn't good enough. So what is the point in leaving him in charge if he isn't the man to lead us forward.

Scotland need a strong manager who will command respect - an experienced coach who will get the best out of his players. By the time the SFA need to make an appointment you just don't know who will be available.

Walter Smith could have left Rangers, Gordon Strachan might by then fancy a crack at international management or Craig Levein be in the frame.

Some might suggest Burley deserves another crack at it, but the performances - Holland aside - weren't even good enough to suggest we were making progress.

There are a lot of younger players in the squad who need a strong leader.