ALLY MacLEOD, the former Scotland manager, was at last inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame following a long campaign spearheaded by his family.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was one of hundreds of names who pledged their support to helping the man that took charge of the national team for the World Cup in 1978 have his achievement officially recognised.

MacLeod, who passed away aged 72 in 2004 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, was one of five honoured at a star-studded dinner at Hampden last night. Other inductees included Rangers legend Bobby Brown, Arsenal icon George Graham, former Dundee United and Scotland defender Maurice Malpas and national team doctor Professor Stewart Hillis. There was also a special tribute for existing member Craig brown.

Macleod’s family were at the National Stadium to collect the award on his behalf.

His success at club level with Ayr United and Aberdeen led to MacLeod becoming Scotland Manager in May 1977 ahead of the World Cup the following year in Argentina, and this is where he is most remembered to this day. After famously tipping Scotland to return with the trophy, his team of course came back empty handed after a defeat to Peru and a draw with Iran rendered a legendary win over Holland as academic.

Following his short spell as Scotland boss, MacLeod returned to manage Ayr United twice as well as spells at Motherwell, Airdrieonians and Queen of the South.