FOOTBALL : Scotland players may have claimed a share of the blame for their disastrous defeat in Wales but it is manager George Burley who is set to pay the price.
Scotland players may have claimed a share of the blame for their disastrous defeat in Wales but it is manager George Burley who is set to pay the price.
Press Association Sport understands the Scottish Football Association will meet this week to discuss his future as national team boss and are unlikely to grant a stay of execution this time.
Burley was given a vote of confidence in the wake of his failure to steer the Scots to a play-off place for next summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa after convincing his employers he was the still the right man to preside over their next campaign.
But, just two months later, Saturday’s 3-0 reverse in Cardiff looks set to spell the end of what has proved to be a difficult reign since his appointment in January 2008.
Scotland were three goals behind within the opening 35 minutes and furious travelling supporters spent most of the second half venting their anger at Burley and demanding his removal from the job.
They may now get their wish when the SFA board convenes in the coming days, despite claims from players after the game that they – and not just the manager – should be held responsible for the latest disappointment which leaves Burley with just three wins in 14 matches.
“The manager is the boss and he is the one who is going to get the stick but it’s everybody,” Steven Naismith said.
“He’s not the one who goes out on the park and wins the games – that’s the strikers. And he’s not the one who goes out on the park and defends – that’s the defenders.
“Basically, everybody who played has to have a hard look at themselves.”
