LONDON, Oct. 12 -- Gordon Strachan stepped down on Wednesday as Scotland manager after failing to lead the team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

"On behalf of the board I would like to thank Gordon for his excellent service to the national team," said Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan.

Strachan took over as Scotland manager in January 2013 but fell short of reaching the finals of European Championships last year. He stayed on to lead Scotland in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, but a 2-2 draw in Slovenia last Sunday ended their hopes of finishing second in Group F and reaching the play-offs.

"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," Strachan said.

"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."

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