The SFA finally get their man

The Scottish FA today finally appointed their first ever Performance Director, Dutchman Mark Wotte.

The 50-year-old, from Enschede, brings a wealth of experience to the new role, having worked as a manager in England, Egypt and Qatar as well as his native Holland.

Wotte has also worked as technical director at Feyenoord and was coach of the Dutch under-21 squad, where he was pivotal to the international development of world-class talent such as Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder.

The Scottish FA conducted a thorough recruitment process in the search for the Performance Director, regarded by the Scotland national coach, Craig Levein, as the most significant appointment for decades.

Wotte will be responsible for bringing the Scottish FA’s new performance strategy to life, by focusing on elite player development from grassroots to the senior national teams. The far-reaching remit is the culmination of more than a year’s preparation by the Scottish FA, which has included extensive consultation with the league bodies, SPL and the SFL, and their members, along with key players in Scottish sport, including Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Walter Smith and Ian McGeechan.

The Performance Director will be tasked with implementing the new structure and helping to achieve the Scottish FA’s ambitious new objectives, outlined in the new strategic plan, Scotland United – A 2020 Vision.

Mark Wotte 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.”

 Craig Levein, National Team Coach: “This is a pivotal day for the future of the game in this country. 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.”

 Despite all this I am not sure what the remit is for Wotte but of he can at least come up with some form of joined up strategy for Development of our game I will be happy.

 The challenge is to get everyone playing the same way, and coming up with the right way that suits our culture and environment. Is it worthwhile copying Spain when our climate sees boys having to train and learn in rain and driving wind. Or at bets in a school hall or gym!