GEORGE Burley's brother has revealed that the ex-Ipswich Town boss found out that he had been offered the Scotland job when he was walking his dog.In a Scottish radio interview Tom Burley said: “I sent him a text but his phone was switched off.

Stuart Watson

GEORGE Burley's brother has revealed that the ex-Ipswich Town boss found out that he had been offered the Scotland job when he was walking his dog.

In a Scottish radio interview Tom Burley said: “I sent him a text but his phone was switched off. He was out with the dog and didn't know he had got the job. He was out walking and somebody passing by said to him (that it had been reported he had the job), that's how he found out.”

Tom Burley, who acted as a scout under his brother for a short while at Ipswich, said: “George signed for Ipswich on his 15th birthday. Bobby Robson came to our mum and dad's house and said he was keen to get George to come down.

“George actually phoned Bobby Robson for advice before he applied for the Scotland job and Bobby told him to go for it.

“He wasn't sure whether he would get the job so he is absolutely delighted and so are his family.”

Meanwhile, Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks believes that Burley has all the attributes to make a success of the Scotland job.

The Blues chairman said: “George has all the attributes to become a successful international manager.

“He came to us a comparatively young manager. He is now a highly experienced one.

“There are no guarantees for success, but I am sure our supporters will wish him well.

“He did well at firstly Ayr and then Hearts so I am sure he will be welcomed back to Scotland.

“The cry you hear from international managers is that they miss the day-to-day involvement of club football.

“But after nearly 20 years of club football I am sure George will find the regime of international football very appealing.”

Southampton have agreed a compensation package with the SFA which paves the way for Burley to become the new Scottish manager.

Burley will be hoping for a happier time north of the border this time around following his unsavoury end as manager of Hearts.

Burley had steered the club three points clear of Celtic at the top of the table in 2005, however a fall out with owner Vladimir Romanov saw him leave the club.