Southampton manager joins SFA

Mark Wotte has been named as the Scottish Football Association's first performance director. The 50-year-old Dutchman, who endured a tough six months at St Mary's as the club went into administration, will be in charge of overseeing elite player development at every level. SFA chief executive Stewart Regan told http://www.scottishfa.co.uk: "The appointment of a performance director was the single most important recommendation in the Henry McLeish review of Scottish football. "The remit is to take Scottish football from good to great once again, by planning a route from grass roots to the senior national men's and women's teams and creating a "best v best" culture. "I am delighted Mark has accepted this challenge and myself, Craig Levein, Campbell Ogilvie and the board are confident Mark's coaching and performance experience will help realise our ambitions." Wotte has coached extensively in his native Holland, including a spell as technical director of Feyenoord and a stint in charge of the Holland Under-21s. Most recently he has been working in Egypt as coach of top-flight club Ismaily. He said: "I am excited by the challenge of becoming Scottish football's first performance director. This is a key role in the modern game and it is my intention to help restore Scottish football to its former glory. "Qualifying for major championships again is the main priority but we can no longer leave it to chance. Scottish football must work collectively and strategically to ensure we cultivate the most talented players at all age groups. "This country is renowned across the world for its unparalleled pride and passion, now we must add performance to those qualities once again." National team coach Craig Levein described the appointment as vital to the development of football in Scotland. "This is a pivotal day for the future of the game in this country," he said. "I have long championed the cause for a more consistent and collaborative approach to elite player development and Mark's arrival gives us that opportunity. "He will be a vital part of the machinery in the conveyor belt of talent in this country and will play a key role in assisting the clubs and the Scottish FA in maximising the potential of our most talented footballers."