George Burley’s reign as Scotland manager was officially brought to an end on Monday as the Scottish FA sacked the 53-year-old.

Burley had been in charge for 22 months but Saturday’s 3-0 loss against Wales proved the final straw for the SFA, with assistants, Terry Butcher and Paul Hegarty also shown the door.

The former Hearts manager was contracted until 2012 and had previously been given the dreaded vote of confidence, despite Scotland failing to reach the World Cup play-offs.

Gordon Smith, SFA chief executive, said in a statement: "It is with regret that we announce George Burley's departure.

"We now have four months until our next scheduled match, against Czech Republic, and will therefore utilise the intervening period to ensure we attract the best possible replacement to take Scotland forward.

"The decision was taken after a meeting with the board of directors and, subsequently, the national coach.

"The board was in unanimous agreement. It should be stressed that the decision was not a direct consequence of Saturday's unacceptable 3-0 defeat to Wales but, rather, a realisation that the expectations of the supporters, the Scottish FA and George, himself, were not being met.”

Burley, who won just three of his 14 games in charge, said: "I would like to take the opportunity to express my thanks to my backroom team, the Scottish FA, the players and the Tartan Army for the support they have shown throughout my tenure as national coach and I wish the national team success for the future."