Is Gordon Strachan's departure bad news for Aberdeen?

Dons boss Derek McInnes has been hailed for waking the sleeping Pittodrie giant since taking over four-and-a-half years ago.

His 2014 League Cup triumph ended Aberdeen's 19-year wait for a trophy and, despite working with a budget which is a fraction of that available to Celtic, his team have consistently been a thorn in the side of the Hoops in recent seasons.

He may not have the big-game management experience of some of his rivals, but his track record speaks for itself.

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According to Opta, after losing four of his first seven competitive games as Scotland boss, Strachan lost just four of the following 19.

There are no shortage of candidates to replace Strachan immediately in the frame.

What about this guy? He's looking for work...

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

In a statement released by the SFA Gordon Strachan said: “I said on my first day as Scotland manager that it was the proudest moment of my career and that I wanted to put a smile back on the nation’s face again.

"I share the profound disappointment at missing out on the play-offs, especially having worked so hard to fight our way back into contention.

“The players should receive immense credit for that resilience in coming back from a difficult start and I would like to thank each and every player who has come in to represent their country.

“Together we have shared some really magical moments and those memories will live with me for ever.

“Of course, what made those moments special was the unwavering support of our fans. Through highs and lows you have stayed with the team and my biggest regret is not being able to provide the finals tournament you deserve.

“I would like to thank the Board, the backroom staff and everyone at the Scottish FA for the help and support they have given me as national coach.

"It has been a real privilege.”

Stewart Regan, Scottish FA Chief Executive, said: “On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Gordon for his excellent service to the national team.

"I know how disappointed he was that we couldn’t secure a play-off place but to come so close was a tribute to the belief he instilled in his squad.

It always looked likely after their failure to qualify for the World Cup and now it's official.

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The West Ham manager has now been asked, seeing as it's international week, why England can be a bit dull to watch.

He said: “It’s hard to produce that rhythm. You need both teams to play. You can’t expect one team to run like crazy when the other is slowing the tempo of the game.

“That’s been for years the situation in international football.

"Sometimes in the Champions League and Europa League, English teams can’t get into the rhythm. You need both.

“I think England have done well. They’ve qualified and I know the English press and fans talk like qualifiers are like friendly games which, on one hand, OK, but only to a certain level.

“Portugal needed to win their final game in a group with Switzerland but if England were in a group with Switzerland you’d think they were like Slovenia. Italy are going to the Play-Offs, France needed to win their last game, Croatia needed to win to go to the Play-Offs and they have a really good team. ​

“Apart from Germany and Belgium, nobody cruised to qualification, so we should appreciate that.”

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Reece Oxford played this week for England's U20s, and Bilic rates him.

He said: “He’s got that potential and he needed to somewhere to play regularly in a good league so he went to Monchengladbach, which is a good club in a good league. ​

“Unfortunately he didn’t play regularly so far, but hopefully he will do and he will play well and come back and show the quality and form to become a regular player for West Ham."

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Asked about striker Andy Carroll's motivation before a World Cup year, Bilic said:“Players are hoping and thinking of the World Cup, not only British players but the foreigners too. It’s a motivation and it’s the same for Andy Carroll.

“We spoke so many times, as we did before Euro 2016. He needs to be consistent, play well, score goals and make an impact on a regular basis for West Ham to think about an England call-up.​

“I watched the second England game because of Aaron Cresswell, but Andy needs to concentrate on club football because only by playing well for West Ham will he force Gareth Southgate to give him a call.”

Bilic said: “Burnley are doing extremely well home and away. Last year they were a little bit too cautious, within reason, because they had been promoted and then relegated before.

“Last year they were playing more on reaction than action, but they have changed it. They are still very solid and when needed very direct, but you can see them play and being braver with the ball and on the ball.

“They kept the core of the team but added some more players and if you compare the team from the first game of last season, they have five new players. ​

“They have confidence and are playing well.”

Bilic said: “You have to bear in mind that Chicharito didn’t train with us and we play an away game on Saturday and he’ll only be in training on Friday, so we’re going to see (if he's fit for Saturday).

“The good thing is he played the first game and scored for Mexico, which is always good for the strikers, and he’ll train tomorrow. I’m expecting him to be available. ​

“Somebody made up the rumours that he is not happy at West Ham.”

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Image source, Getty Images

Bilic said: "It is only Ginger Collins who is out with the ankle he injured against West Brom, but it’s only for a matter of days.

“Chicharito will be back today. He wasn’t with us because of the Mexico games and will be back in training tomorrow.

“OK, some of them only started training on Monday or Tuesday but it’s a good situation as most of them are fit and those who stayed back here worked on their stamina and their fitness.

“We mixed this break with a combination of days off and fitness work and it went really well and those things are why I am optimistic for this game.”

The Hammers face Burnley on Saturday.

They've got a swanky new Desso pitch at Burnley's Barnfield training centre.

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Dyche preferred not to put a timescale on Jon Walters' absence through injury.

But he is, as you can well imagine, thrilled at Burnley's superb start to the season.

"We have never put boundaries on what this squad can achieve," he said. "It's just about adapting to the challenges.

"To get off to the start we have is very pleasing, but there's plenty of work to do and we know that."

Back in South Wales, Swansea manager Paul Clement is prepared to be patient.

On his new-look team, who face Huddersfield at the weekend, he said: "When you add in four or five others it will take time to integrate them. I expect them to show an improvement."

Meanwhile Mo Salah has told the Liverpool Echo, external his feelings about Sadio Mane's injury set-back.

He said: "I texted him when he was at the national and then when he came back. He told me then he was injured so that’s bad news for everyone.”

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On Nathan Dyer, Clement said: "He brings another dynamic, because he is still quick, he can run with the ball and he can dribble and beat players."

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