Is this the toughest job in British football?

WHEN it was put to him that he is taking on what could be the toughest job in British football, new Elgin City manager Ross Jack was not ready to disagree.

It is a frequently used description – from the very top of the game to the bottom. There will be those who argue that the only way is up for Elgin City, who prop up the rest of Scottish football at the foot of the Third Division. But at 12 points adrift of the next team, and with only nine points gathered from a possible 54 this season, Jack has his work cut out to turn around the Highland outfit's fortunes.

The club has been the end of the line for managers since winning Scottish League status in 2000. High-profile figures like Alex Caldwell, David Robertson and Brian Irvine have hit the buffers in the bottom division with the former Highland League champions. But former Dunfermline, Kilmarnock and Norwich City striker Jack has not been put off, and has negotiated a three-and-a-half year contract following the departure of predecessor Robbie Williamson.

Jack worked as the Scottish Institute of Sport's top football coach before a short, ill-fated spell as Derek Adams' assistant at Ross County this season.

He was shocked to be sacked after just five months, with Adams blaming a lack of working chemistry between them.

Now Jack is determined to follow the example of Caley Thistle and Ross County by transforming Elgin, viewed locally as a 'sleeping giant', into a force to be reckoned with.

The 49-year-old, who started his career at Everton and also played for Dundee, admitted: "I can't wait to get started now. I'm fully aware of the scale of challenge the job presents, but it's one I'm more than happy to embrace. I know there won't be a quick fix, but I'm in it for the long haul."

Jack was won over by the Elgin board's willingness to take a long-term view. Ideally he wants to tap into the well of talent in the north and build carefully for the future. He said: "I'm a strong believer that the Highlands and north of Scotland has a lot of untapped talent and potential.

"There are enough players in the area with ability to compete. I'm going to have to rely on some of the younger players and develop them. I'm not saying we won't need one or two players from further afield, but predominantly it will be a local team."

Other candidates for the game's most daunting role

THE toughest job in British football is a frequently used description for a new manager. But just which club deserves the dubious honour most of all? Here are a few contenders.

• Daily Express, 8 March 2008

Noel Whelan is set to take on the toughest job in British football and is holding talks with East Stirlingshire.

• The Scotsman, 17 Jan 2008

Kevin Keegan is back in one of the toughest jobs in British football after a sensational return to management with English Premier League side Newcastle United.

• The Herald, 17 April 2007

(Dave] Mackay was just short of his 40th birthday when he took over what seemed to be the toughest job in British football (at Derby County].

• The Sun, 21 August 2004

New Fort William manager Rab Mulheron admits he has just taken on the toughest job in British football.

• Evening Times, 19 June 2003

As the man with arguably the toughest job in British football, Tommy Docherty had some difficult decisions to make as Manchester United manager.

• Daily Mail, 19 February 2003

Graeme Souness has told Rangers manager Alex McLeish he is making a success of the toughest job in British football.

• Mail On Sunday, 2 July 2000

This week Martin O'Neill starts life in one of the toughest jobs in British football (at Celtic].

• News of the World, 7 November 1999

Kevin Keegan opened his heart on the Battle of Britain – and insisted Scotland manager Craig Brown has the toughest job in British football.