Former Rangers goalkeeper Chris Woods is set to join forces with old Ibrox foe Steve Clarke as part of the new Scotland national team set-up at Hampden.
Woods, 61, was announced as the national side’s new goalkeeping coach with ex-Hearts caretaker Austin MacPhee also taking a backroom staff spot as Steve Clarke signs a new contract.
The ex-Kilmarnock manager – who was a constant thorn in Rangers and Steven Gerrard’s side during his time at Rugby Park – has penned a new Scotland deal which keeps him in charge until 2024.
As part of the reshuffle, Steven Reid of Nottingham Forest and Stevie Woods of Celtic have stepped down from their roles to free them up for Woods and MacPhee.
They will join ex-Newcastle assistant John Carver on the backroom staff with Clarke voicing his delight at signing the deal as he praised the experience of ex-Gers star Woods.
“Firstly, I am proud to extend my stay as Scotland Head Coach and I look forward to working with my staff and players as we look to continue improving as a team,” said Clarke [SFA].
“Being involved in EURO 2020 has given us all an added determination to return to a major tournament again as quickly as possible.
“I said in the dressing room after the Croatia game that we all had to learn lessons from playing at the EUROS and to come back stronger.
“I am committed to helping us return to a major tournament as quickly as possible and improving on what we have achieved until now.
“The players and my staff share that determination and the hard work resumes next month.
““Chris brings a wealth of experience both as a top-class international goalkeeper and as a respected goalkeeping coach in the English Premier League and the United States.
“I am sure our goalkeepers will enjoy working with Chris and benefit from the knowledge he has accumulated throughout his career.”
Chris Woods had a trophy-laden spell at Ibrox and is a former England international, earning 43 caps for his country in a successful goalkeeping career.
Woods was signed by Graeme Souness in the summer of 1986 for £600k from Norwich City and would go on to spend five seasons as Ibrox, winning four league titles and four league cups.
The legendary goalie has also carved out a successful coaching career, starting out at Walter Smith’s Everton and going on to work with Manchester United, West Ham United and the USA men’s team.
Whilst bears will be delighted to see Woods join the ranks of Clarke’s coaching team, fans have been criticising one major decision by the manager which sees a form Ger wait at home.
