WHO says nice guys never win?

Malky Mackay has definitely disproved that by taking Cardiff to the Premier League.

He was at Celtic when I was working under Tommy Burns, and I think it's fair to say he is a much better manager than he was a central defender.

Big and resolute would best sum him up, but he successfully played out his career in England before making the transition to management.

Malky is one of these lads who comes across really well, such an asset to anyone trying to make their way in the management game.

But, he is also a very honest man, who commands respect whenever he speaks.

Cardiff had suffered more than their share of disappointments before Malky arrived, and just missed out on promotion again last season under him.

But, there has been no panic, and these cool heads have now got their reward.

The Championship is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, driven by the prize on offer to those successful over what is a marathon season.

Malky is level-headed and will know that, even with the vast riches winning promotion guarantees, the hard work is only just beginning.

However, he has a group of players who have bought into how he wants the game to be played, and, in David Marshall, a keeper who continues to improve.

Playing in the Premiership will help him become even better, and that's good news for Scotland.

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