Mr. Simpson for Hibs? Mr. Burns for Scotland?

By: Ian Rose | January 8th, 2008

The title of this blog is as far as I’ll go into the coincidence of the two subjects’ names being two of my favorite cartoon characters of all time. But I had to mention it.

There are developments involving the two highest-profile job openings in Scottish football, the Scotland and Hibs manager positions. First, at Hibernian, Paul Simpson seems to be the front-runner to take over the seat abandoned suddenly last month by John Collins. He was most recently at the helm of Preston North End, a shaky time at best, but that has been the only blip in an otherwise promising career. The only other serious contender seems to be Ranier Bonhof (again reminiscent of a Simpsons character, if a little more of a stretch). The German was formerly U-21 manager during the Berti Vogts era. Neither is exactly the quality of candidate that Hibs fans were hoping to replace Collins, who had his troubles, but who also brought Easter Road its first silverware in 15 years in last season’s league cup. Still, for a team who has won once in twelve matches and sit mid-table in the SPL, the options may be somewhat limited. Recent form aside, I agree with Brooks Mileson (possibly a first) that it’s one of the great jobs in Scottish football, and the good times will someday return.

On to the more important news, at least to me. Sources inside the SFA have apparently narrowed the list of candidates for the next Scotland manager down to a final four, and one name is making a surprise appearance: Tommy Burns. It shouldn’t be a surprise to see Burnsie on the list, because he has all the credentials. Time spent at an Old Firm side? Check. He played over 300 matches for Celtic and managed them, unfortunately during a Rangers-dominated period, and went on to become Celtic’s first team coach. National team experience? Check. He has 8 caps as a player, and was assistant manager under both Vogts and Smith. He has, like Simpson, had his stumbles as a manager, but overall he has the pedigree and I think he’d be a fine choice. More importantly, I don’t see him running for the hills at the first distant sound of a cash register, as the previous two managers have done. Better him than one of the young turks like Collins or McGhee, who just aren’t ready for a national post yet.

Besides, who better than Mr. Burns to keep Hampden the fortress we’ve come to expect of it? Three words - Release the hounds.