3749: What the fans think about the
by : Colin Illingworth
The FAI cannot sack him on the basis of the Czech game. It cannot even be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. To use it as such would be a heinous and spineless betrayal of the man that they chose.
They have a duty to Staunton. They have a duty to give Staunton a chance to test himself without a crippling injury list and under the FAI’s preferred structure (i.e. with an adviser), a duty to allow him to learn his trade, and a duty to allow him the opportunity to prove the likes of this writer wrong.
The FAI must shield their man from the witch-hunt.
The media and majority of the public are looking at the situation far too simplistically and one-dimensionally. They are also embracing the worst human traits in savaging a man who genuinely believes that he can do his job well. Whether he can or not doesn’t matter. He deserves a chance.
If the mob get their human sacrifice this week then to hell with them. If Staunton takes the fall then, and this says everything about Ireland and nothing about Stan, he will have been too good for us.
Walter Smith wasn’t everybody’s first choice to succeed Bertie Vogts as Scotland boss, but following Saturday’s sensational victory over beaten World Cup finalists France, and the squad’s amazing transformation under him, the whole country is now firmly behind the former Rangers and Everton boss.
Gary Caldwell’s second half strike ensured Scotland maintained their 100 per cent record in the so-called ‘group of death’ and guaranteed his place in Scottish folklore. Wild celebrations went on well into the night as Scotland fans toasted Walter’s Bravehearts as the national side regained its pride and passion, something which was sadly lacking under the German’s regime.
Walter has a wealth of experience in management and won it all at Ibrox and sampled life in the English Premiership with Everton, but his appointment as Scotland boss wasn’t met with universal approval. But one Scotland foot soldier who backed Smith right from the start is Hearts fan, and chairman of the Broxburn Hearts Supporters Club, Mike Wilson, and he now wants the SFA to tie Smith down to the job for the foreseeable future.
“I was happy with Smith getting the job, my only concern was that he would have a west coast bias with his Rangers background but he has been spot on and everyone has been given a fair chance. I think the main thing is that the players enjoy turning up for Scotland games and he has got the work ethic installed and the players are playing for each other. Also it was an excellent idea to get Ally McCoist on board as he is a great personality to have in the camp. Walter has been fantastic so far and I hope he gets an extended contract!”
When the qualifying groups for Euro 2008 were made Scotland were seriously up against it. Drawn in the ‘group of death’ with Italy, France and the Ukraine, qualification seemed like a pipe dream. But just three games in and it looks like Walter’s men could spring the mother of all shocks by eliminating either World Cup winners Italy or World Cup finalists France.
Ally McCoist described the victory over the French as the biggest in Scottish history, but there was a real feeling before the game that they could go and get something from it. But did they honestly think that they could leave Hampden with all three?
“Not really,” said Mike. “When I discussed the game the week before I said a draw would be a brilliant result but Scotland have had a few great results in recent years against Italy, Germany and Holland and you felt a win wouldn't be the biggest shock ever! Saying that I just about fell off my seat when we scored!”
It’s all a far cry from the dark days under Bertie Vogts were passionless performances and disastrous results were all too familiar. Hammered by France in his opening game 5-0, followed by defeats to Nigeria, South Korea, South Africa and Denmark, the Vogts-era was always doomed to fail. More embarrassment followed in his two-year reign as Holland ended their Euro 2004 hopes with a 6-0 thrashing, reversing a 1-0 victory in the first leg, Wales ran riot in a 4-0 romp and Hungary (3-0) and Sweden (4-1) heaped more misery on the nation. But with more or less the same squad of players at his disposal as his predecessor, Walter has turned the national side around and the public can be assured that they will never be on the reverse of another thrashing again and Mike, like the rest of the country, is on top of the world.
“It really is brilliant being a Scotland fan just now. For many years most fans up here, including myself, had lost interest in the national team. We were a joke under Bertie and most people tried to distance themselves from the Scotland team. The only good thing was he gave youth a chance but that’s about it. But now the pride and passion is back. I'm proud of the national team and the added bonus was that three Hearts players played in the France game!”
But what was it that inspired Scotland to that fantastic result against France? Did Smith get his tactics spot on? Were France unlucky? Did the boys on the field play the game of their lives?
“I think a bit of all the things you mentioned,” said Mike. “Walter got his tactics spot on with one up front and the work rate of the midfield was key in the victory. France were also a bit unlucky as they were excellent in the first half but a nation of Scotland’s size needs the rub of the green and we got it. Every player played out of their skins and I have to admit that I thought Caldwell was the star man, not only for his goal but also his defensive display. I also think Craig Gordon inspired confidence to all the players in front of him and he was outstanding, as was Darren Fletcher.”
Scotland now go into the game against the Ukraine tonight full of confidence and looking to cement their place at the top of the group with a fourth straight win. However Scotland’s biggest downfall is trying to follow up one great result with another. They thrive on being the underdog and although the Ukraine have some fantastic players, Scotland will go into the game as favourites in many people’s eyes. Victory would cap an amazing week in Scottish football but a draw wouldn’t be the end of the world. As long as they can avoid defeat qualification remains a real possibility, something Mike didn’t really think was on when the draw was first made.
“I thought third at the very best although I wouldn't have put my mortgage on it, now I think we could qualify but it will be mighty hard as the group must be the toughest in the history of the Euro qualifiers. Whatever happens the future is bright for Scotland.”
Colin Illingworth
10 October 2006
