Everyone must unite behind George Burley for World Cup success, warns SFA chief Gordon Smith

Aug 31 2008 By Mark Guidi

DEFIANT Gordon Smith last night hit out at George Burley's doubters and warned Scotland must unite behind the manager if we want to get back in with the big boys.

SFA chief Smith remains adamant Burley is the rightman for the hotseat despite his unimpressive start.

And he insists the increasing air of negativity can only harm our bid to reach the World Cup in 2010.

Eyebrows were raised when Burley pipped Mark McGhee, Tommy Burns and Graeme Souness eight months ago to land the coveted role as Alex McLeish's Scotland successor.

No wins from his opening three games has increased the scepticism heading into World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Iceland. But Smith has no doubts about Burley's ability to get results and backed him to silence the cynics.

Smith told MailSport: "I can already see a degree of negativity.

"We've played three friendlies and have yet to win. Two of those were against Croatia and the Czech Republic and they used us for Euro 2008 warm-up games.

"They obviously had much more to play for. So I'd disregard the three friendly results.

"George had to contend with several call-offs and it has been hard to get a rhythm going. I believe he will get it right.

"I said when we appointed George he was the right man and I'm still confident the correct decision has been made.

"He works hard and analyses everything in detail. He can get the best out of players.

"We came close to qualifying for Euro 2008 and are a respected football nation again.

"So it's time to take that to the next level by qualifying for a major tournament for the first time since 1998. The fact we have a strong mentality will help us. We can do well but we all have to be positive and get behind the manager.

"I know if things don't work out I will get stick but it's all part of my job."

Holland and Norway are our other group rivals and Smith insists Scotland's main target must be to keep pace with the Dutch.

He said: "It won't be easy. Holland will start as clear favourites.

"Our first aim is to make sure we stay ahead of Norway, Iceland and Macedonia for second place then set our sights on top spot. With James McFadden in the side we can beat anyone. He's a match winner."

Smith enjoys his role at the SFA and admits some of the criticism he has endured was merited.

But the SFA head honcho feels aggrieved at other attacks he perceives as personal.

He said: "I wanted to offer something to the Scottish game, perhaps give an opinion that might improve it at different levels.

"It would have been easier to stay a football agent and do my media work. But I felt I was in a comfort zone and needed a new challenge.

"Criticism is part of this job and doesn't bother me. I can accept stick when it's merited because I will not get every decision right.

"It's when the criticism is not justified and people have a go when they're ignorant of the facts that can get to you.

"My parents and family probably worry about it more than I do. Being up there to be shot at comes with the job. It's the same for a player, manager or referee."

Away from the spotlight Smith has been working on a new manifesto for kids' involvement in the game at schoolboy and youth level.

He is excited about it and said: "We're putting things in place to help the next generation. If kids don't make the grade as players then we hope our plans will help them become better people.

"We're looking at introducing different aspects to our grassroots programme.

"We want kids to be able to react positively to any rejection they may encounter. We also want to look at their health, diet, lifestyle and mentality.

"Other things we're trying to do include introducing kids' football from March through to December.

"And with government funding we also want to improve facilities."