Scotland sack Burley

Wales friendly defeat is final straw for SFA officials

Last updated: 16th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Scotland sack Burley

Burley: End of the road

GEORGE BURLEY'S SCOTLAND RECORD
Scotland 1 Croatia 1 (Friendly, March 26, 2008).
Czech Republic 3 Scotland 1 (Friendly, May 30, 2008).
Scotland 0 Northern Ireland 0 (Friendly, August 20, 2008).
Macedonia 1 Scotland 0 (World Cup qualifier, September 6, 2008).
Iceland 1 Scotland 2 (World Cup qualifier, September 10, 2008).
Scotland 0 Norway 0 (World Cup qualifier, October 11, 2008).
Scotland 0 Argentina 1 (Friendly, November 19, 2008).
Holland 3 Scotland 0 (World Cup qualifier, March 28, 2009).
Scotland 2 Iceland 1 (World Cup qualifier, April 1, 2009).
Norway 4 Scotland 0 (World Cup qualifier, August 12, 2009).
Scotland 2 Macedonia 0 (World Cup qualifier, September 5, 2009).
Scotland 0 Holland 1 (World Cup qualifier, September 9, 2009).
Japan 2 Scotland 0 (Friendly, October 10, 2009).
Wales 3 Scotland 0 (Friendly, November 14, 2009).
Played 14, Won 3, Drawn 3, Lost 8, Goals for 7, Goals against 21.

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The Scottish Football Association has confirmed George Burley's tenure as Scotland manager has come to an end following a board meeting at Hampden Park.

SFA officials met on Monday to discuss whether Burley's position had become untenable following Saturday's miserable 3-0 defeat to Wales.

Upon Scotland's failure to qualify for even a World Cup play-off spot, they finished third in Group 9 behind Holland and Norway, it was largely anticipated Burley would pay the price with his job.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith and president George Peat agreed to hand Burley a stay of execution to plot Scotland's 2012 European Championship qualifying campaign, but subsequent friendly defeats to Japan and Wales saw fresh calls for his head.

Following a board meeting it has been decided a change of direction is required, with Burley leaving his post with immediate effect.

Smith said: "The decision was taken after a meeting with the board of directors and, subsequently, the national coach. The board was in unanimous agreement.

"It should be stressed that the decision was not a direct consequence of Saturday's unacceptable 3-0 defeat to Wales but, rather, a realisation that the expectations of the supporters, the Scottish FA and George himself, were not being met.

"I should point out that the Scottish FA stands by its decision to give the national coach our full support despite failure to qualify for the World Cup play-offs.

"It would have been negligent not to have given George every opportunity to rebuild and revitalise the squad in light of the improved performances in the last two qualifiers against Macedonia and Holland.

"Unfortunately, the adverse results in the two subsequent friendly matches against Japan and Wales provided confirmation that the improvement could not be sustained.

"On a personal note, I would like to thank George for his contribution and, on behalf of the Scottish FA, I wish him all the best for the future."

In a short statement Burley said: "I would like to take the opportunity to express my thanks to my backroom team, the Scottish FA, the players and the Tartan Army for the support they have shown throughout my tenure as national coach and I wish the national team success for the future."

Scotland were 14th in the Fifa rankings when Burley took charge in January 2008, but they have plummeted to 46th - their lowest ranking since June 2006 - during his time at the helm.

Graeme Souness has already ruled himself out of the running to replace Burley, while the likes of Craig Levein, Walter Smith, Jim Jefferies and Gary McAllister have all been mooted as possible candidates for the post.

SFA president Peat added: "I would like to echo the sentiments of the chief executive and stress that today's decision has not been taken lightly.

"The board will now enter into a period of private discussion to ensure the Scottish FA finds the best candidate ahead of the qualification campaign for Euro 2012."

Comments (56)

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James Watters says...

At last!!! The SFA have finally seen sense and got shot of George Burley. This man had never filled me with any hope as Scotland manager when he was first appointed and as a result I tended to not watch any Scotland games. He always seemed to be looking around him for too much help from his coaching staff instead of just getting on with it, and as for tactics, he probably thought that these were a form of little white sweet. Craig Levien would be my choice but I would welcome back Walter Smith as he at least managed to get a team together that entertained the Tartan Army. Here's hoping for qualification for Euro 2012. Come on the mighty Blue Brazil for the Scottish Div 2 title.

Posted 18:31 17th November 2009

John Forbes (Aberdeen fan) says...

I was another one who supported George, but agree he had to go. He was given the chance, but failed. On the future, I worry about some of the names being muted. Walter Smith - got lucky during his first tenure, and is still riding his luck at Rangers. Totally negative football and a backward step if appointed. A failure in the premiership Graeme Souness - Glad he dropped put, he failed as well in premiership Jimmy Calderwood - you are having a laugh, but he is affordable Craig Levein - only losers would be Dundee United, but he needs time and not just one qualifying campaign!!!!! Agree with most comments about the future lying with the youngsters, I am sure Billy Stark and the under 21's would have performed better than this current squad. Toshack took the gamble and we got embarrassed by thier players. Worry that we now have to bring back Ferguson and Boyd, their attitudes are shocking and an absolute disgrace. The Old Firm being the cornerstone of any Scotland squad has gone. Their performances in Europe show that, look at the current Scotland defence and who make up the places. No doubt Smith and Peat will cop out for a cheap coach with no vision other than to grind out good nil-nil results by shutting up shop. Change at top also needed to enforce changes at grass roots. Fans are leaving football clubs, because the football is so bad, and until we start to play football I will not go to another game at local ot national level.

Posted 10:32 17th November 2009

Craig Neill (Rangers fan) says...

Instead of debating who we (the fans) want to see as the next scotland manager, shouldn't we get some input from our players? Let them tell us who they would like to play for or who they think is the right man for the job.

Posted 09:30 17th November 2009

Alan Donald (Clyde fan) says...

Why do we alway blame the manager I think we should take stock of the players Scotland have to pick and I think the so called bigger clubs in Scotland likes of Celtic and Rangers should be helping Scottish football by bringing the youth players through and not buying these so called no it all players we are a small country we need home growen players to help Scottish football dont keep having a pop at the Scotland managers.

Posted 09:18 17th November 2009

Chris Curness (Motherwell fan) says...

When you have weak managers like Smith and Peat what do expect them to do? They have no credibility as managers of men you just have to listen to Smith he was catapulted into a position for reasons no one understands and he pontificates over our National Team,,,,he is the real embarrassment here. Weak managers prefer to manage weak managers. Scotland need to up there game but it is time for a "roots to branches" assessment and a clear out of all the hangers on.

Posted 09:17 17th November 2009

Ian Whiteley says...

I feel sorry for Burley all the players pulling out all the time, not a settled squad nemind team. its easy to sack the manager. Some of the players need to look at themselves. the board think quick this dosnt look good sack the manager how many differnt players have been used in last 3 matches theres your answer lack of quality time to bring the kids through at club level

Posted 08:12 17th November 2009

David Findlay says...

Well done SFA, another poor choice so you can't blame Burley.. who wouldn't want to manage the national team he was out his depth. As far as Souness not wanting the job, what does that say about his passion for Scotland.. what a cop out, says more about his managerial abilities when the going gets tough, give Joe Jordon along with craig Levien

Posted 07:40 17th November 2009

Alex Cochrane (Morton fan) says...

Because of the SFA's meanness we will be looking again at the numpty end of the managers section. If you pay top wages, like England, you get a top manager but if you pay numpty wages, like Scotland, you get a numpty. Gordon Smith recently showed us what his real motivation is when he complained about the loss of revenue if Scotand's qualifying games are shown on free to view tv. Arranging meaningless games against the likes of Argentina then moaning because the hard pressed Tartan Army decide not to chuck their money away on it shows how this guy thinks. After the first Macedonia game everybody but Smith could see the writing on the wall but Smith had to wait until we were completely humiliated and he had extracted every last penny from us before he acted and you can bet its because he knows that we will not pay to watch any more of this drivel. Hes the one who should go along with his gang but he wont so all we can expect is a different name but more of the same. I may sound bitter but Ive watched while our proud reputation and fighting spirit has gone down the plughole. As for not having the players, These are the same guys who run Italy and France so close not so long ago. Not the greatest players in the world, I agree, but playing with the passion that is missing now.

Posted 07:03 17th November 2009

Richard Hall (Leeds United fan) says...

Doesnt matter who Scotland appoint.....The players dont care and aren't good enought nowadays anyway..How many go to the English Premiership, only to return within a year saying they were homesick.....More like they realise that in Scotland's Leagues they look good but down south they are no better than a 3rd tier player. Rangers and Celtic are weaker now than they have been for 10 years and that reflects in the national side. Burley was never given a chance as he doesnt come from the Rangers or Celtic base. He was attacked from the beginning. Players openly revolted because they thought they were bigger than the team. IF YOU DONT FROM GLASGOW THEN YOU DONT STAND A CHANCE.....JUST LOOK AT THE COMMENTS ON SKY TONIGHT FROM ANDY WALKER!!!!LOOK AT HOW CELTIC TREATED JOHN BARNES AND GORDON STRACHAN AS FOR GORDON SMITH AND HIS CRONIES.......LAUGHING STOCK OF FIFA!!!!! Burley has just signed a new contract less than 2 months ago.....Great management from the SFA, and Burley will be laughing all the way to the bank. Back to England George where you will be respected. As for the Scotland Team........hahaha

Posted 00:33 17th November 2009

Jon Bruce (Clyde fan) says...

I have backed Burley from the beginning but, unfortunately, I think he was always fighting a losing battle. There are many areas of concern in Scottish football, the quality of grass roots being one of them. However, the fact is that the players are simply not of the quality a team needs to compete at international level. Don't get me wrong, there are some great prospects, and a midfield including Brown and Fletcher is nothing to be ashamed of but by and large, the team is very, very average. The SFA are now in a very difficult situation as there are few Scottish managers out there who have the experience required. I doubt very much that Levein, as good as he is, comes close. I think, perhaps, that part time management is the way forward. Sadly though, the fact is that who in their right mind would take the job full time? Unfortunately, I can't think of anyone up to it...good luck to whoever it may be. All the best George. You did your best.

Posted 00:06 17th November 2009

Mike Barber (Arsenal fan) says...

He was struggling when in charge of Southampton so the appointment to become Scotland manager was completely baffling to many?! I know from living down here, Saints fans were pleased to see the back of him. The Scottish FA should be held accountable for their appointment of Burley and should look at themselves for Scotlands poor performances instead of using him as a scape goat!

Posted 23:41 16th November 2009

James Milne (Aberdeen fan) says...

I cannot understand how small populated countries like holland and Norway etc can have much better players than we do James

Posted 23:27 16th November 2009

Stu Bateman (Liverpool fan) says...

Well done SFA now when will you realise that the players just are NOT good enough, something big and drastic needs to happen at grass roots and the SFA is where that starts.

Posted 21:45 16th November 2009

Geo Woodock (Rangers fan) says...

Now that he worst ever manager that Scotland had is gone can I suggets to the new manager to get rid of the existing squad and start a full rebuild on todays youngsters and build a team for the future ,

Posted 21:42 16th November 2009

Lincoln Johnson (Manchester United fan) says...

For all true football fans like myself will know that you have to have quality players to have a chance to compete at the very top level in football for any manager to have a chance to qualifiy for any worldcup compitition, Sir Alex ferguson and Arsen Wenger are great managers because they have quality players to work with, But for george Burley and some of the previous Scotland managers ,Have not had the quality players to work with ,And that is the true reason Scotland dont qualify for the world cups or european championships these days,So where is the real problem, Its at grass roots, Thats where all your superstar players come,So scotish football it self needs to look at it self and realize they must improve there coaching , Look at the dutch and the french, who have been producing great players over the years and the african countrys are improving all the time, Its not like the 70s where scotland had good quality players like Bremner, Lorimor, souness, Hanson, Don mason, Jimmy johnstone and son on, So its up to scotland to bring the talent to the table.

Posted 21:38 16th November 2009

Iain Buchan (Raith Rovers fan) says...

The SFA and Celtic & Rangers should take a long hard look at themselves. Yes George Burley should have gone but what has he got to work with and what will the next manager have. Souness hit the nail on the head the quality of player that is available is not acceptable. Rangers & Celtic do not bring on local talent but buy average foreigners. They are a disgrace to Scottish football. The SFA are no better with the charge of bringing on talent they are abject failures as it is not George Burley's fault that our players are rubbish. The palyers do not deserve the standard of support they get. The effort they showed on Saturday was the worst display by a Scotland team in 10 years. I am a proud Scot it would seem that some of the players playing on Saturday were not.

Posted 21:37 16th November 2009

Scott Carrington (Dundee United fan) says...

As long as the replacement is NOT craig levein. Would that not damage scottish football even more?

Posted 21:17 16th November 2009

Neil Gardner says...

I've heard about people calling for a foreign manager to be brought in. Until we change the way we play football in Scotland, that would be a bad decision. Although Michael Laudrup has been out the game for a while and might see Scotland as a chance to get back in to it. He played some impressive attacking football at Bronby and Getafe. Other than that we need a Scot who can motivate. The poor football in Scotland means we have to play from our heart, not our feet. Burley was tame in that respect. Someone with the same attitude as Owen Coyle would be excellent.

Posted 21:12 16th November 2009

Stephen Mcdonald (Celtic fan) says...

George Burley had to go it was simply unacceptable how bad we were under him.It isn't just Burley it is Scottish Football in general and it doesn't surprise me that the Old Firm aren't getting into the Premiership

Posted 21:11 16th November 2009

Dean A (Rangers fan) says...

Burley should have walked after the failure to qualify for a play off spot. The previous comment from Andy D (cant believe im agreeing with a Celtic fan lol) about Scotland playing to our strengths was spot on. We dont have the players to play a passing attacking game. Wattie and Eck knew this and both tried to keep it tight at the back and catch teams on the counter, and it worked! Hopefully now he is gone Boyd will return to the international setup as we are missing a proven goalscorer. Question now is who steps in? I think the main reason Burley failed was lack of european experience, thats why i dont think Levin, as good a manger as he is, should get the nod. I would have went with Souness but he's ruled himself out, so i think we have to look abroad. Or maybe Kenny dalglish is the answer........

Posted 21:06 16th November 2009
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