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Burley hits back at Boyd



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Published Date: 13 October 2008
Scotland manager George Burley insists he only needs players who will "fight for the cause" after Kris Boyd quit the international scene.
The Rangers striker said he would no longer play for Burley after spending the entirety of the goalless World Cup qualifier against Norway on Saturday on the bench.

Burley appeared to question how much Boyd cared for his country as he faced a media conference this lunchtime.

"Kris is disappointed not to play but this is your country you're talking about," Burley said.

"I've never had a cross word with Kris. They come in, stay at five-star hotels, in this day and age they have massive wages.

"How much do you care? You don't need to like everybody. This is your country.

"Okay, he didn't get on but the only way Kris Boyd is going to get in the team is playing regular, showing what he can do, coming to the squad and looking lively and bright and look better than the other strikers. That's how you get in the team.

"You have got to show that passion and if you don't want to show it, you make that decision that you want to step out, fine.

"We have big games coming up, people might think we are out of it but we're not, we are in second position.

"We need people wanting to fight for the cause, go to war for the country. Roll your sleeves up and go for it."

Burley brought on strikers Chris Iwelumo and Steven Fletcher, who had one cap between them, early in the second half of the Hampden clash against Norway.

Iwelumo went on to miss an open goal from three yards as Boyd, with seven goals from his 15 caps, sat on the bench contemplating his international future.

The draw left Scotland with four points from three games but Burley stood by his decision.

"The combination I sent on in the second half on Saturday worked very well," he added.

Burley said on Saturday evening that Boyd had to prove himself at Rangers, where he is not an automatic first choice despite being the club's top scorer for the past three seasons.

Boyd, who has played a total of 28 minutes under Burley in two of the manager's six games in charge, claimed it was pointless turning up.
The 25-year-old said earlier: "It's nothing personal between him and me. It is purely down to football reasons.

"I'm obviously not in his plans, so there is no point in my being there."

Boyd's Ibrox team-mate Lee McCulloch, 30, who had not featured under Burley, last month announced his international retirement.

The full article contains 448 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 13 October 2008 1:04 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Scotland's football team
 
1

Itchy,

13/10/2008 13:16:16
It's difficult to fight for the cause if you don't get a game and it's also better to score goals than to fight for the cause. Scotland might have scored goals if James McFadden wasn't up front on his own against enormous defenders and having high balls lumped up to him.
2

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

13/10/2008 13:21:49
Great response from Burley although a shame he has to answer to a player. Should have just said nothing and let Boyd's actions speak for themselves. Watch the interview on the BBC website - very good response from Burley, despite the reporters trying to get him to knock Boyd. Interesting they don't give Walter Smith the third degree when he doesn't play Boyd.
3

InTheBackPocket,

13/10/2008 13:22:51
Burley is clearly saying Boyd has an attitude problem and has been unimpressive in training and in his match preperation, in other words he lacks the professionalism to be considered to play. Seems W.Smith is of the same opinion going by the amount of games he gives him.

Bye bye Boyd, you wont be missed. Away back to the pub.
4

Deano,

13/10/2008 13:29:16
Farewell Kris. Thanks for the (non) memories...
5

I.J,

The Diggers 13/10/2008 13:32:09
Good riddance.

Well said George Burley.
6

John Robertson,

13/10/2008 13:36:20
Dont worry guys, Riorden will take Boyds place.Mr Boyd is an ungreatfull little s##t!
7

He's A Rocket,

13/10/2008 13:37:34
I always think it's strange that one forms opinions of those in the public eye without ever meeting or knowing them, just on a hunch.

I've formed the opinion that I'd never get fed up battering Kris Boyd, just because he seems like a complete knobb...
8

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 13:37:39
It will good bye to Burley shortly.

His anti-Rangers bias will return to get him - aye, all his life.

We know you never got the Gers job George. YOU never will.

WE are OUT of the cup.

SO Burley was right to leave out Boyd? Remember the sitter the guy missed? WHAT was the score? WHAT was it?

As for Boydy not wanting to play for Scotland - ya mean not wanting to play with a twadger like YOU.

MORE iwll follow Boydy. YOU were the manager the other day - ITS your fault we are OUT. YOU will soon be out.
9

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 13:38:54
Yes more will follow Boyd. NO decent players will want to play under this clown - space cadet Burley.

This is ground control to Major George... get to **** and stop embarassing my country.
10

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 13:39:51
Its all Boyds fault? Eh? He never picked the team. He did not miss the sitter.
11

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

13/10/2008 13:41:20
#9 I'm sure I saw you down my road the other day. Wee old guy... bunnet... talking to the pigeons...
12

&Larrsonfixestheradio,

13/10/2008 13:47:17
What a pathetic press pack we have. Why was George Burley not grilled on these quotes.
IS Barry Ferguson still Scotland captain ?

If so why is he undermining the Scottish manager ?
Why does BF expect George Burley only to be in charge for the next two games ?
Why has the SFA not backed the manager. Gordon Smith saying we should respect the players decision rather than Boyd should respect his choice of candidates decision ?

"Obviously I am disappointed that he is not going to be involved in the next couple of squads because obviously as captain I want the best players to be there and Boydy is certainly one of, if not the best strikers about in terms of goals, so I am disappointed in that way.
"As I say it is Kris' decision, obviously he has thought long and hard about it and we have got to respect it."
Asked if he had tried to talk Boyd out of quitting, Ferguson said: "No he is old enough and experienced enough to make these decisions and I can understand why he made the decision.
"He is frustrated and he wants to play and obviously in his mind he has not been given the chance.
"As I say you have just got to respect his decision now."

Can Celtic win the SPL and qualify Scotland for the World cup this season? for a manager that came out promptly on behalf of David Murray urging the SPL to extend the season on behalf of Rangers?

and if we do; will all those Scottish numpties that tar us with the same brush as Scotlands shame wake up and smell the orange juice?

I wont be holding my breath. LOL

Hail Hail
13

Reg, Perth WA,

13/10/2008 13:51:20
C'mon Mr Burley, he plays for Rangers, is that no enough for you? And there is another about to limp back into the side fit, able or not.
14

Pedantic,

Edinburgh City Centre 13/10/2008 13:56:27
Bottom line is that Burley failed. Poor starting selection and formation. Best striker on the bench and didn't get on when we were desparate for a goal. Ok, Boyd has thrown the toys out of the pram but so did hundreds of thousands of Scots on Saturday afternoon. I for one am still hacked off and it's not with Boyd, it's with Burley. (And that's from a Jambo who thought Burley was the best thing since sliced bread not that long ago).
15

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

13/10/2008 14:03:21
#14 I agree with your first sentence. But the changes he made after half-time worked and we almost won the game. He said in his interview that Fletcher and Iwelemo combined well in training and I thought they looked dangerous. Would have preferred McFadden on for longer with one of them but for all we know Fletcher and big Chris are a good combination.

I find it amazing that George Burley's getting a harder time from the press for trying to do his best for his country than Walter Smith got for leaving his country in the lurch. As for Rangers fans - the only people defending Boyd - they should be asking why he doesn't get a game for them when it matters either.
16

&Larrsonfixestheradio,

13/10/2008 14:06:57
Did McLeish pick Boyd last November v Italy at Hampden in must win game ?
Did Smith pick him for UEFA Cup Final In May ?
Or the two Celtic games in April ?
Or the Kaunas away game in July when they needed to score ?
Was he selected by Smith to play at Parkhead in August ?
Was he in the Rangers team for their past 2 games ? (when they played 4-4-2)

The answer to all the above is .....NO.
We now have the Rangers and Scotland Captain stating in a very cloak and dagger way that recently retired Boyd who will never play under Georeg Burley again will miss ONLY the next couple of games? The head of the SFA saying we need to respect the player rather than we need to respect the Scotland manager (his choice) choice AND NOT ONE JOURNALIST in Scotland is prepared to ask George Burley about this ?

And you still have Scottish punters that dont believe that the SFA is Rangers protection racket

LOL
17

Pedantic,

Edinburgh City Centre 13/10/2008 14:10:50
15, I know that his changes made some improvement, but it wasn't enough. Also, these were changes he shouldn't have needed to make in the first place. He'd already wasted more than half of the time available to score by then. We were at HOME to Norway you know, and he puts out a winger on the wrong side who cut inside and then back to half way most of the time, plus an attacking midfielder as a lone striker??? It ain't rocket science.
18

WellFan,

US 13/10/2008 14:12:56
Boyd isn't brave enough to complain to Wattie about not playing, so he is just acting the big man with Burley instead. If he had taken on board anything his managers have told him over the years, he could be making a name for himself in the right way.

The guy can play, but his attitude stinks. His career has 'Brian Kerr' stamped all over it. Plenty of talent - complete lack of application.
19

Teary Ennui,

13/10/2008 14:13:47
Boyd has a good scoring record for Scotland, he has scored quite a few goals in Cup finals, etc. It's a pity he has decided not to play for Burley but Burley didn't seem keen to pick him anyway so we must move on. Burley has made some gaffes but he will stand or fall on results and these haven't been good enough so far. There was a fine line between failure and success on Saturday but that's often the way it is. "Nearly" or "if only" or "he'd have scored it the other 99 times out of 100" won't get you qualification and won't save your job.
20

sonofcosmos,

glasgow 13/10/2008 14:22:43
#19 generally agree with you here...still left with the question that rangers fans struggle to answer..why does boyd get dropped by rangers..particularly big games...
also it must concern any right minded person that boyds main spokesman on these threads has been weeberty and his bilious rantings sad xxx
21

Teary Ennui,

13/10/2008 14:25:43
#20,

Rangers have quite often played one up front (especially against more difficult opposition) and that doesn't really suit Boyd.
22

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 14:30:14
Burley has chosen to take on Glasgow Rangers and its millions of fans world wide.

He cannot win. He will be defeated very shortly. He is now an embarassment and will be forever. His name will now be synonymous with dung.

George Space Cadet Burley..... get to ****

How far do u want to take down our team? More players are going to do what Boydy done mate. AND YOU are going to get forced out. YA must know that mate. Be honest, yar a severe moon man.
23

InTheBackPocket,

13/10/2008 14:30:34
ALarrsonfixestheradio,13/10/2008 14:06:57
'Did McLeish pick Boyd last November v Italy at Hampden in must win game ?
Did Smith pick him for UEFA Cup Final In May ?
Or the two Celtic games in April ?
Or the Kaunas away game in July when they needed to score ?
Was he selected by Smith to play at Parkhead in August ?
Was he in the Rangers team for their past 2 games ? (when they played 4-4-2)

The answer to all the above is .....NO.'




I wonder if Kenny Miller had been fit, would Boyd have even made the squad?? Probably not eh.
24

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 14:31:31
The problem is NOT Boyd.

IT IS BURLEY.

IS Burley attempting to put the spotlight on Boyd as opposed to himself? It will NOT work.

25

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 14:32:51
I quote;

Did McLeish pick Boyd last November v Italy at Hampden in must win game ?
Did Smith pick him for UEFA Cup Final In May ?
Or the two Celtic games in April ?
Or the Kaunas away game in July when they needed to score ?
Was he selected by Smith to play at Parkhead in August ?
Was he in the Rangers team for their past 2 games ? (when they played 4-4-2)

End of quote. BURLEY is the problem NOT Boyd.

WHAT was the score on Saturday?
26

Alan B,

13/10/2008 14:33:03
#21

I think the point is if Boyd cannot command a regular game with Rangers, how can Boyd expect to be a first pick for Scotland.

27

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 14:34:04
So inthebackpocket, do you think space cadet Burley is a fine manager and we ought to keep him? Eh? Give him a pay rise and a medal?
28

Shadow Man,

13/10/2008 14:35:04
Boyd is a pathetic child and a loser. Naff off fatty, you won't be missed.
29

sonofcosmos,

glasgow 13/10/2008 14:36:25
#21 boyd has not played a single second of the last 5 old firm games...
as a celtic fan i am delighted with the jcd miller strikeforce at rangers..i just wonder why burley has had to put up with so much snash for one game when smith has regularly ignored boyd over the last 2 seasons..daryll kings article in the evening times (guess whose side he takes !!!) points out that boyd cant really come out the same against his treatment at ibrox as they pay his wages...the media dont have excuse..(oops forgot 80% of them do) xxx
30

spiderman,

argyll 13/10/2008 14:36:26
Anyone see Darren Fletcher on Soccer am on Saturday? Asked who the worst trainer in the Scotland team is he immediately answered "Kris Boyd, he's lazy, doesn't want to do anything at training etc". What more is there to say - Big Eck, Le Guen, Walter, Burley and Fletcher all know he's a self-centred lazy to$$er and now he's proved he's a bit of a traitor too!
31

sonofcosmos,

glasgow 13/10/2008 14:38:56
weeberty with your support boyd will win a place in the hearts of scottish fans everywhere...the traitor that he is xxx
32

bluepeterno1,

13/10/2008 14:40:09
Burley is just trying to shift the blame from himself ,only an idiot would have left boyd on the bench in favour of a player who was on his first cap .Boyd was the obvious choice and there is no doubt in my mind that he would have scored .Only time will tell ,but very soon the country will be calling for his blood .BURLEY got it wrong and kris boyd is correct in doing what he has done ,the guy must be getting fed up with it ,the same happens to him at ibrox and how many times has he pulled rangers out of a hole .Shame on burley and smith .
33

celticdaft,

13/10/2008 14:41:16
seems the only people who support Boyd are the blinkered Rangers fans. He doesn't play for Rangers or Scotland because he has a bad attitude and is a liability. Same as Graveson at Celtic. The talent is there but the head is still that of a 12 year old. Needs to grow up. This story is only getting the press because of the miss. That could have happened to anyone. Boyd included. It is not a reflection of Burley getting it wrong.
34

Teary Ennui,

13/10/2008 14:41:28
"I think the point is if Boyd cannot command a regular game with Rangers, how can Boyd expect to be a first pick for Scotland" (#26)

Not sure it is. Scotland's first pick is probably Kenny Miller (not always been in the team at Rangers or previous clubs). Then there's James McFadden (left out by Brum recently), Darren Fletcher (hardly an automatic choice at Man U especially once they get over a few injuries), Shaun Maloney (brought back in for Scotland after just one game for Celtic).... Besides, Boyd found himself about fifth choice for Scotland. Burley obviously doesn't fancy Boyd so it's up to him to qualify us with the players he does rate....
35

Invisible,

13/10/2008 14:41:59
#21 Alan: McFadden isn't a first pick for Birmingham either...
36

Alan B,

13/10/2008 14:42:49
#WeeBerty

How can you seriously say Burley is picking a fight with Rangers and say Boyd is not the problem.

Burleys first choice strike force in a 4-4-2 is McFadden and Miller. So like Smith he favours Miller one Rangers player in front of another Boyd.

Was Smith the problem when OConner acted like an a***. And OConner is possibly a better player than Boyd.

On Sat Burly went with somethign between a 4-3-3 and 4-5-1. An understandable formation and changed it later on to a 4-4-2 to try to get a result. Boyd is not at his best when he is a lone striker so playing in a 4-3-3/4-5-1 does not really suit him. Atleast that is the view many have taken. So it is unsurprising he did not start. Although personally would have liked McFadden played wide right instead of Morrison.

In the 2nd half it was really a straight choice between Fletcher and Boyd. Neither have been performing this year to their best but Fletcher is probably the best potential. Lets face it many non Rangers fans think Fletcher has been overlooked due to the fact that Scotland managers pick the OF players infront of others with similar abilities.
37

Teary Ennui,

13/10/2008 14:43:26
"i just wonder why burley has had to put up with so much snash for one game when smith has regularly ignored boyd over the last 2 seasons" (#29)

Because more people care about the national side than they do about Rangers.
38

Who?,

13/10/2008 14:44:52
It has still not been mentioned that norway were the better team on saturday because they have better players.

Very few of the scotland team would get into the norway team yet scotland are expected to beat norway 5-0.
39

Pistol Pete,

13/10/2008 14:45:30
Wee Bertie, certainly approriate as you are of wee relevance.
Anyway, no matter Boyd is out and great, although I do not think Burley will cut it. We do have good striking options though and in the 2nd half was impressed with the potential of forwards who are prepared to WORK, show PASSION and are FIT.
40

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

13/10/2008 14:47:08
#34 "Burley obviously doesn't fancy Boyd" - neither does Smith. Nor did McLeish or Le Guen or, it has to be said, any of the English clubs who would normally sniff around 25+goal a season strikers - not a single piece of speculation about someone coming in for Boyd, even when Smith signs about 23 strikers in the close season and makes it clear Boyd is not a big part of his plans.
41

Alan B,

13/10/2008 14:47:25
#Invisible

"McFadden isn't a first pick for Birmingham either"

McFadden has been a first pick all season for Birmigham and then got dropped for one game where he came on a sub.

Also lets face it as a manager you want your players to be playing. And you want them to be playing well. However Scotland have had a problem with players you want to be considering not getting selected for their clubs.

McFadden even when dropped from his club will tend to still get selected due to the performances like the goals against France and Ukraine.

But for a player to push his way into the starting line up you need to be playing well. I would possibly started with Boyd (with McFadden wide) but can understand why Boyd is not an automatic pick.
42

sonofcosmos,

glasgow 13/10/2008 14:55:09
#32 im sure that although left out against the team at the bottom of the league whilest playing a 4-4-2 you had no doubt in your mind that boyd would score against st mirren..and oops he didnt..
it appears the main point is that despite his ability to score lots of goals against lesser teams wich has made it difficult for rangers or scotland to completely dispense with his services his attitude must be truely dreadful that neither club nor country play him as a first pick .
#37 the media are very biased in this part of the world...column inches gow v riordan say no more ...xxx
43

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

13/10/2008 14:56:42
#41 McFadden gives his all in every game. Boyd expects goals to be handed to him on a plate. He's a luxury striker, a boozer, a big head, a fattie and, judging by his reaction, very immature for a 25 year old. I'm glad he's out now I know for sure his attitude stinks. (Even though, at the time I wanted him on for the last 15 mins against Norway, although I can see how we were being threatened on the break and a draw was better than a loss).
44

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 14:57:44
Allan B, AGAIN YOU miss the point.

ALL that matters is results. BURLEY is NOT geting them. AND he is alienating players in terms of his idiotic arrogance.

RESULTS are what matter.

sonofcosmos, says Boyds is a traitor. NOT to the UK and to Her Majesty. Lizzie says "thank u Boydy for sticking it up Space Cadet Burley".

Oh God Bless our Lizzie for such wise words.

"I think the point is if Boyd cannot command a regular game with Rangers, how can Boyd expect to be a first pick for Scotland" (#26)>>> maybe if he did get picked we would WIN? Know what I mean like?

And thank u again Queen Lizzy.

A fine Protestant Queen. We luv u!

45

Alan B,

13/10/2008 14:59:20
#Teary Ennui

McFadden has been a regular starter for Birmingham. Dropped for the last game and came on as sub. Burley seemed to want to go with McFadden and Miller for his first choice strike force. When you are looking for others you will tend to look for who is playing well. The choice really comes down to Boyd, Fletcher, OConner (who has let us down before) and this guy from Wolves who gives us different options and is on form at club level.

Darren Fletcher- he is a difficult one. Probably been our best player for last 5yrs over the piece but been poor recently. Is one of the players who seems genuinely into playing for scotland and comes across as if it means alot. Who would you really bring in instead. With Brown playing poorly out on the right but having a good game in the middle on Sat, Fletcher will have more competition for a place. Particularly when Ferguson is back. Do not think many would seriously leave out Fletcher. It is up to players like thomson who is always pulling out to give the manager some difficulties in selection.

Burley did not consider Maloney until he is now back getting a regular game. We are quite weak in the wide areas and Maloney is a good option.
46

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 14:59:44
GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,


He does lots of humping as well. Now, u cant say that can u.
47

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 15:02:01
Listen, u clowns are getting it all wrong.

Scotland does not matter.

What matters is Britain. Yes indeed.

Thats whats up with Boydy. If he was playing for BRITAIN as opposed to Scotland he would be banging the goals in bg stuff. He would score them for Her Majesty - God Bless Her.

48

sonofcosmos,

glasgow 13/10/2008 15:02:07
ah "weeberty" i would like to see the long list of aliases you have gone under on this forum...xxx
but i am glad lizzie is happy..she has had so many disappointments in her life..and i guess having you as a subject is one of them.
49

Alan B,

13/10/2008 15:05:04
#WeeBerty

Burley has now had 3 competitive games. We lost one. We are not that great that we really can expect to go and beat these team easily.

If you look at Norway and Iceland they simply have a better centre forward than we do by a country mile.

Where is Burleys arrogance? Picking Miller and McFadden as his first choice strike force. That is the same as either his predecessor would have done. Both of who were first choice picks.

50

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 15:06:48
Seriously,

Rule Brittania Brittania Rules the waves ...

51

,

13/10/2008 15:08:04
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
52

Teary Ennui,

13/10/2008 15:08:36
"Burley did not consider Maloney until he is now back getting a regular game" (#45)

No, as I said, Maloney was named in the squad one game after his return to Celtic. I don't have a problem with that as such but it shows that you don't have to be playing for your club every week over a long period to be considered for Scotland. But the bottom line is Burley doesn't really rate Boyd anyway so it's up to him to get on with it without the Rangers striker....
53

Daillyman,

13/10/2008 15:09:31
33

Burley certainly did get it wrong, his tactics and team selection for the start of the game were terrible.

We are at home need the 3 points and he leaves Faddy as the lone target man against the jolly green giants of Norway and punt high balls to him.

Great tactics and system from a manager who promised "sexy" football.

I was willing to give Burley the benefit of the doubt when he got the job, probably based on the job he did in the short time at Hearts, he and Butcher must go they have done nothing to improve the squad and I have to wonder why Butcher was even given a job considering his track record as a manager.

As far Boyd walking out on the Scotland team at this time, I think he is being a bit selfish, will he now pull the same BS. on WS at Ibrox, if left out.

Their can be no greater honour that being part of you're nations squad involved in WC qualifying, Boydie should have kept his mouth shut and waited for his chance again, which surely would have come.
54

G,

dundy 13/10/2008 15:10:08
Well said Burley....all that Boyd had to do was to show some enthusiasm!!!!!
The only time he moves his fat ar*e is to get to the breakfast buffet....Boyd is now a joke....All of the non-rangers fans knew this but now it is official.....
55

Teary Ennui,

13/10/2008 15:10:47
"not a single piece of speculation about someone coming in for Boyd" (#40)

Eh? There was an awful lot of speculation about him going to Cardiff.
56

Bemused and above it all,

13/10/2008 15:11:57
Boyd is perfectly within his rights to walk out on the national team. The difference between scotland on saturday & rangers is that Rangers can rely on a string of strikers with various attributes with good scoring records for club & country.
Compare that to throwing on 2 players for their debut to spearhead your attack, completely unbelievable, I can think of no other manager or nation when chasing a goal which would so publicly flick the bird at a striker who has a goal every 2 games ratio for both club & country.
57

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 15:12:26
Daillyman, hit it on the head.

WE are at HOME.

Playing NORWAY.

And wee play one up front?

Is he simply trying to COPY Walter?

58

Daillyman,

13/10/2008 15:13:35
47

Being a Gers supporter myself I have to ask you in all sincerity,,

do you actually believe the pash that you post, especially #47 ??

59

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 15:15:08
Honestly, I was passionate about the national team years ago.

BUT I suddenly realised that Hampden was full of middle class "supporters" who almost certainly RARELY watched football.

I have three season tickts for Ibrox and go to all away games and have done so for many years.

The type of supporters I mention above put me right off. They were vomit inducing, to be honest.

60

Bemused and above it all,

13/10/2008 15:16:03
The thing is Boyd at least gets the chance at Rangers, usually scoring, the games when he dosent score he's doing the link up but no-one is there to stick it in the net! that is the dilema Boyd creates, almost the same as McCoist in his day, never a great worker, but my god in & around the box, deadly, its up to the other 9 outfield players to provide the ammunition.
Then again you can just call him a traitor/h un etc which seems to be the jist of 80% of the posts here.
61

Bemused and above it all,

13/10/2008 15:17:32
anyone able to name another country that leaves a player with a goal every 2 games ratio on the bench for crucial home world cup qualifiers yet?
62

G,

dndy 13/10/2008 15:17:46
Whether or not Boyd is "justifed" in being a bit miffed at not getting on on Saturday...he is out of order in "retiring" from the international team especially as he seems to think that he can unretire himself when Burley leaves...However at the current rate of performance...playing only the odd game for the gers, Boyd will be so fat soon that he'd never get back anyway..he has no excuse for such petulant behaviour...he must be hell to have in any team so good riddance to him
63

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 15:18:58
Daillyman, of course I do.

AND I am a citizen of the UK - as what it says on my passport. The sooner they dispose of the Scotland team and have a UK team the better.

Pash? Do u mean pishhh



64

Alan B,

13/10/2008 15:19:11
#Teary Ennui

You do not have to be playing first team football regularly necessarily to get picked. But it does help. It depends on what the other options are. How much competition for places in that position.

Left midfield was McCulloch position and he has been injured and has now pulled out. Maloney was on the bench but played himself into the team.

It is easier if you have established yourself as a first team pick and then get dropped from your club to still get the nod.

65

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 15:20:47
My last post.

STOP focusing on Boyd.

Focus on Burley.

BOYD never played on Saturday.

BURLEY must get his jotters - get him to ****.

66

&Larrsonfixestheradio,

13/10/2008 15:21:23
Bemused,

So Alex Mc Leish, Walter Smith and George Burley have all got it wrong and you somehow have got it right. Is that what your telling us ?
67

Daillyman,

13/10/2008 15:25:29
60

It is Boyds choice to play or not to play for Scotland,

I think his decision was done to quickly, not thought out properly (he does not come across as the brightest light bulb in the track light).

As a goal scorer he has a lot to offer and would surely have figured in the teams plans going forward.

Again my opinion under Burley and Butcher we have taken a step back.

For the next WC qualifier players should be picked on form and performance, and even wee neds like Riordan, if he is banging the goals in for the Hibs should be considered for a place.
68

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

13/10/2008 15:27:03
#55 Cardiff, eh and... ? I take my comment back - how can we not pick a player so obviously in demand!

#61 Michael Owen wasn't even in the England squad, with something like 12 goals in his last 16 games for Newcastle.
69

Class On Grass,

trackside 13/10/2008 15:27:35


The problem came from the defence. Broadfoots distribution was shocking, causing the midfield to drop back, leaving the gap to McFadden.
We need Hutton back. Brown was tremendous, and will be better when he can push up more with a reliable defence behind him. Caldwell not great either, maybe needs Mcmanus there.
Im not an OF fan. Kris Owelumo did well when he came on. Hope to see more of him, with Faddy supporting. Sad to see Traynor and more especially, Jim MacClean slagging off the manager.
Ram it up them by getting us into the finals, George. Mair power to your elbow...
70

GeorgeCowieOrWalterKidd?,

13/10/2008 15:39:08
#69 Agreed, my preferred team when all fit...

Gordon,
Hutton, McManus, Caldwell, Naysmith
Hartley
3 of Ferguson, Fletcher, Brown, Robson
McFadden
Iwelemo (just to stick it to them, otherwise Miller)

Subs: Alexander, Ferguson, Fletcher, Riorden, Berra, Stewart
71

Daillyman,

13/10/2008 15:40:23
69

Don't know what you were watching but I thought Broadfoot in his 2nd match had a decent game. The central defence at times was stretched trying to contain Carew, but he does that to world class centre halfs on a regular basis in internationals.

Brown did have a very good match but the rest of the midfield were below average.

And leaving Faddy as a lone striker for 55 minutes, that says it all about Burley's tactics.

Norway like Macedonia were there for the taking, it's a pity that most people can see that and George did not.
72

notime4anovice,

glasgow 13/10/2008 15:42:19
Boyd isn't good enough to get a regular game at Rankers so I don't see why he's so upset.
He dives and cheats in most games anyway ( CIS Cup final against Utd last year for example ) so we're better off without him.
He thinks he's more important than the manager. Look at him when Paul Le Guen was at Rankers. He was right in there with Ferguson undermining the manager. Doubt if he'd try it on with Walter Smith. He'd be out the door sharpish.
He's scored a massive own goal this time. Burley can't be blamed for not playing him in the team now if he's taken himself out of the team.
73

tomislav,

Serbian Loyal RSC 13/10/2008 15:44:02
“Aggressively focused incompetent rubbish” It was on TV over here, after about half an hour the commentator just about gave up, I remember one of his comments in particular, “we wont be seeing very much football here today” ,,,, bad passing, poor 3 or 4 touch control, over hit crosses, no imagination, huffing puffing and grunting up and down the park, no accuracy, no clue, no skill.

Then to top it all, we have this guy actually missing from about 1m from in front of a completely empty goal that you could fit a bus in, if he had left it alone it would probably have gone in, Chris, you are right pal, stay away, just like I will be doing.
74

Rev. S. Campbell,

Bath 13/10/2008 15:45:11
#8 "WE are OUT of the cup."

Shut up, you tool. Just because you WANT Scotland to fail doesn't mean they have. The group has absolutely everything left to play for.
75

Rev. S. Campbell,

Bath 13/10/2008 15:48:00
"STOP focusing on Boyd.

Focus on Burley.

BOYD never played on Saturday."

Neither did Burley. He had to stand at the side and watch a professional footballer miss an open goal from three yards. If the striker hadn't muffed it, we'd have won, nobody would be slagging Burley and we wouldn't have to sit here listening you you bumping your idiot gums. That's the worst thing to have come out of the whole game.
76

Daillyman,

13/10/2008 15:50:22
74 Rev

There is Holland then the rest of us. I can't see the Dutch dropping to many points, but if we can pick up a few wins then 2nd in the group is not beyond us.
77

jerrymanders,

Playing for my Country, not running away. 13/10/2008 15:57:45
Burley can go but Boyd can GTF if he thinks he can turn up and play for the next manager.
78

Rosscobhoy,

13/10/2008 16:02:26
Boyd is a good finisher, but not half as good as he seems to think. He should look at Broadfoot and realise how much better you can be if you work as hard as you can all the time. Sadly we don't have another finisher as good in the squad, but one thing i would be interested in is Boyds stats broken down to show goals in big games. From memory i think he has only scored once against Celtic. How many does he have in Europe?
79

&Larrsonfixestheradio,

13/10/2008 16:13:05
#78

Walter doesn´t pick him in Europe. Boyd needs to play in a 4.4.2 formation. Wattenaccio cant accommodate players that cant run.
80

Talk o' the Toun,

13/10/2008 16:16:50
This is NOTHING to do with whether or not BURLEY is the right manager for SCOTLAND. It is about a player throwing his toys out the pram & therein turning his back on his Country.
It 'appears' that both Walter Smith & george Burley agree that BOYD is not worthy of a starting place.
IMO Burleys mistake was including him in the pool in the 1st place.... clearly we are not overloaded with candidates to take his place but McCormack & a motivated Riordan(hopefully despite off days in edinburgh derbies) immediately spring to mind.

Move on & the MAJORITY will continue to support the team ,despite the medias best attempts , as all is NOT lost.

81

paulmac,

surrey 13/10/2008 16:17:17
The truth of the matter is......Boyd missed the chance to spend the weekend gettin blooootered with his mates...

So Mr. Ugly....Angry....face gave it the big side exit left to free up the next international weekend fur the parties.....

That's all it is lads!

82

Pablo10,

Edinburgh 13/10/2008 16:18:37
The truth of the matter is that Scotland were awfull in the first half and the tactics were all wrong, whether Boyd would have made any difference who knows.

I will say to some of the posters above, are you saying your happy to see Boyd coming on against your team with 20 mins to go.
83

&Larrsonfixestheradio,

13/10/2008 16:18:39
SOUNESS FAVOURITE FOR SCOTLAND


With George Burley coming under pressure as Scotland boss, William Hill - who make him 4/7 to be gone (5/4 to survive) before the World Cup finals get underway - have installed Graeme Souness as 4/1 favourite to succeed him as the next permanent manager of the Scottish national side.

Hills make Billy Davies 5/1 second favourite and also offer 6/1 Craig Levein, 7/1 Mark McGhee and Gordon Strachan, 8 Ally McCoist; 10 Joe Jordan; Gary McAllister; 12 David Moyes; 16 Kenny Dalglish, Jim Jefferies, 20 John Collins and George Graham.

Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe said: "Pressure is certainly building on Burley after failing to beat Norway and then Kris Boyd refusing to play under him. We reckon he is odds on for the chop before the World Cup 2010 finals get under way, and there is no shortage of candidates to replace him."

Hills make Scotland 4/1 to qualify for the World Cup Finals - and 300/1 to win the tournament.

84

brettgallacher,

edinburgh 13/10/2008 16:18:58
what a t1t burley is coming out with i got the subs right no mention of the first 60 mins that even a blind man could see wasnt working the facts are simple burley has a worse record than bertie the bolt voghts, plus while i thought apart from his sitter iwelumo done ok but he is 30 years old and far too old to have a future , and it doesnt make sense to say boyd doesnt play enough for gers the fact is he scores goal for fun and thats the only thing that counts
85

paulmac,

surrey 13/10/2008 16:20:51
76

The problem is Brian.....it's only top 8 runners up that go into the play offs....

At this rate we could finish 2nd and still be oot because of a low points tally....
86

&Larrsonfixestheradio,

13/10/2008 16:22:40
#82

Burley has scored twice in open play since the beginning of March. This was not a MIB in the middle. Eck and Watty knew and know this. GB too. You dont
87

paulmac,

surrey 13/10/2008 16:31:19
76

The problem is Brian.....it's only top 8 runners up that go into the play offs....

At this rate we could finish 2nd and still be oot because of a low points tally....
88

celticdaft,

13/10/2008 16:50:28
International football is different from playing Partick thistle. Boyd is up against guys that are athletes, that can pass the ball, that can trap the ball, that can run with the ball. He is also up against people who eat vegetables and don't wash their chips down with a few Callys on a saturday night after a 20 minute run out against St Mirren. Boyd is fat unfit whinger and the only thing he can do is poach. Its not the 70s anymore. He (and all the Rangers fans on here should encourage him) should get his lazy a**e into the gym 5 afternoons a week and get fit instead of driving round a golf course and going for a bevvy. Then he may have a point. Till then he should just p**s off.
89

burleysaboaby,

13/10/2008 16:55:31
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7667366.stm
90

Daillyman,

13/10/2008 17:04:54
87

Paul I know that, but we have it within our capabilities to beat Norway, Iceland and Macedonia, the big match is vs the Dutch at our national stadium., we need to take something from that match.

Look at Portugal, Croatia, France all with 4 points from 3 matches, we are still in with a shout for the play offs.
91

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 17:06:59
A wee word for Space Cadet Burley.

You will be sacked in a few weeks. Yes indeed.

Ya have made a fool of Rangers supporters. You will pay a hefty price. Launghing? Well, lets wait and c.

paulmac (a multi ID), are you still monkey chugging whilst typing shoite?

92

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 17:08:07
celticdaft, what was the last old firm score?

WHAT was it ya severe tommy tanker?
93

paulmac,

surrey 13/10/2008 17:08:48
If......if Burley takes a hike.....then the next manager should ignore Mr. Ugly....angry face.....

And if the next manager calls him back into the squad....then the rest of the squad should consider withdrawing their services!

First McCulloch.....then Boyd.....now we have Sidebaws considering his international future.....

Do you see the pattern that's building here?

Tango Smith defending the shower....

Next up......

Weir.....I'm too old....
McGregor....I'm too shagged oot...
The galloping Camel.....I'm too daft....
94

WeeBerty,

13/10/2008 17:09:40
Look at Portugal, Croatia, France all with 4 points from 3 matches, we are still in with a shout for the play offs. Dailyman, are u smoking the beef?

WE are out out out.

AND so is Burley.
95

Talk o' the Toun,

13/10/2008 17:10:09
#91 wee berty


are you Boydy?

The only one made a fool of rangers is Boyd.

Get over it and support our Nation...
96

WeeBerty,

13/10/20