SFA keen to tackle England

Smith would welcome return of Auld Enemy meetings

Last updated: 13th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

SFA keen to tackle England

Smith: Keen on Auld Enemy meetings

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The Scottish Football Association remain keen to revive international meetings between Scotland and England.

The two teams used to clash regularly until the demise of the Home Internationals in 1984, with their last meeting coming in 1999 at Wembley as England lost 1-0, but still advanced to Euro 2000 with a 2-1 aggregate success.

Scotland Secretary Jim Murphy told MPs during Commons question time on Wednesday afternoon he had spoken to the SFA about the return of the fixture.

He also pointed to the imminent return of the Home Internationals, with the Republic of Ireland replacing England.

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith, who has long championed the return of the fixture, insisted he would welcome a return of meetings with the Auld Enemy.

He said: "There has long been a debate on the viability of restoring the historic Auld Enemy fixture against England but many circumstances have prohibited this, not least available dates on an already congested domestic and international fixture schedule.

"It is my wish that the game can be revived in some form in the near future and, indeed, we came close to reaching agreement with the Football Association in England to organise a friendly match two years ago.

"Nothing has changed in that regard since then but we are, as always, willing to engage in open dialogue with our English counterparts.

"The Scottish FA has always been receptive to new ideas, culminating in the conception of the Four Nations tournament - incorporating Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland - which is scheduled to commence next year."

The annual football tournament between the UK's national teams lasted for a century until 1984.

Bring it on

Responding to a suggestion from independent MP Andrew Pelling (Croydon Central) that the promotion of Scottish culture throughout the UK could be encouraged by having the Old Firm play in the English leagues, Murphy said: "What I do think would enhance cross-border cultural exchange would be a return of the Scotland versus England friendly football matches.

"The Home Internationals will return shortly I think, with Ireland replacing England, but I think there's now a commitment for a return of the Scotland v England football matches.

"I've spoken to the SFA about it; there was an agreement to have it in 2008 but Scotland withdrew from that."

He added: "I think it would be a remarkable sporting event and a highlight of the football calendar so bring it on."

Any attempt to revive regular friendlies would not fit in with the FA's current strategy, but they are keen on occasional one-off meetings.

An FA spokesman said: "We are aware of the significance of an England-Scotland fixture and the high level of interest it would generate.

"We tried to arrange one in 2008 but unfortunately it could not take place.

"Our focus around the England team at this time is building towards this summer's World Cup."